ukgrower2110
Well-Known Member
my timer has broken after a few months of use, i bought a new one today and have been reading that i need a contactor, i dont have one and was wondering, is my house gonna go up in smoke?
question bout my lighting
- Thread starter ukgrower2110
- Start date
jondamon
Well-Known Member
the problem you have is that a standard UK timer can generally only handle 125w inductive load. So if you pull more than this your timer malfunctions usually by staying on.
A contactor without built in timer will use 2 sockets 1 for the timer with the timer plug on the contactor plugged into it and 1 plugged into the socket.
essential piece of kit if you are running strict timings.
J
A contactor without built in timer will use 2 sockets 1 for the timer with the timer plug on the contactor plugged into it and 1 plugged into the socket.
essential piece of kit if you are running strict timings.
J
ukgrower2110
Well-Known Member
im running a 150 watt MH and the box on this timer says it can handle 13A but then again im stoned nd have no idea whats going on so tell me worst case scenario, so far my other one worked for months non stop and then just stopped working.
jondamon
Well-Known Member
thats what can happen. i bought a standard mechanical 480w inductive load timer for 5quid to run a 200w ECO CFL it burned out in 2days so now i run my mother box 24/0 .
Worst case scenario is that the load causes the timer to malfunction and it stays on or off.
As long as your electrics are ok at your grow then any major safety issues would trip your breaker box.
J
Worst case scenario is that the load causes the timer to malfunction and it stays on or off.
As long as your electrics are ok at your grow then any major safety issues would trip your breaker box.
J
A cheap alternative to a proper contactor is the "plug and grow" heavy duty timer. They can safely handle up to 600 watt HIDs, and cost around 15 quid from ebay, or most grow shops.
EDIT: Here's a link to one on ebay. £14.50, with free p&p.
PLUG AND GROW HEAVY DUTY TIMER
EDIT: Here's a link to one on ebay. £14.50, with free p&p.
PLUG AND GROW HEAVY DUTY TIMER