is it safe to use a regular segment timer for a 400w hps light

is it safe to use a regular segment timer for a 400w hps light?,i was reading something on the site where i bought my light and it recommends some timers with relays that are qute expensive

chumpchange said:

is it safe to use a regular segment timer for a 400w hps light?,i was reading something on the site where i bought my light and it recommends some timers with relays that are qute expensive

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Look on the back of the timer, near where the plug is... if it says it is rated >400 then go for it

had the same problem mate..been using a 400w myself and went thru about 10 timers even the ones that say they can handle 400, they blew everytime the light went on just had to fork out 25 quid for one of the relay things but been perfect ever since.

cheers lenny,where did you get 1 for 25 quid?

I dont plug my 400 w directly into the timer but rather plug the power strip into the timer, I am pretty sure this way it will trip the power strip and not the timer. Power strip is surge protected. I havent had any problems even after getting adaptor to convert the three prong into two prong

super2200 said:

I dont plug my 400 w directly into the timer but rather plug the power strip into the timer, I am pretty sure this way it will trip the power strip and not the timer. Power strip is surge protected. I havent had any problems even after getting adaptor to convert the three prong into two prong

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wondering now though if it makes a huge difference the fact that in UK you guys I believe are running 220v instead of our standard 120 here

I've been using a $2.99 manual timer you push those little tabs in at 15 min increments from harbor freight. Says 1800 watts max on back, I plug it into wall, run a power strip off it and have my (2) 150 watt hps, 1 T5 94 watt, 90 watt ufo, and a 200 watt cfl and the 4 inch vortex fan all running off it for past 4 months with no issue at all.