Suggestion: Timer for MHs (non apex)

[LadyTang2]

What can I plug MHs into that is super reliable and not the apex, I need to consider that MHs will draw alot of power though the unit right? 400w 20k. Dont mind spending extra to get whats needed. Thanks!

 

[oreo54]

Intermatic timers are sort of the old standard timer..
https://www.intermatic.com/-/media/inriver/15392-8897.ashx/ET Portfolio Brochure EN

 

[jda]

Mechanical light timer. Make sure that it is grounded - not all are. Nothing is more reliable, IMO.

Full disclosure... I did just have one fail... it was made in 1997, so 22 years, or so... the plastic got worn out that was "flipping the switch." It did come with more, but I probably lost them twenty years ago.

Digital light timers are OK, but they have batteries that can run down and then they lose their settings with a power outage... more of a pain than they are worth.

I like the ones with green "on" tabs and red "off" tabs (there are many), but the ones at Harbor freight work too, they are just not labeled so write on them with a sharpie which is "on" and which is "timer."

 

[WVNed]

I am using 5 of these
https://hamiltontechnology.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=194&search=timer

 

[LadyTang2]

Mechanical light timer. Make sure that it is grounded - not all are. Nothing is more reliable, IMO.

Full disclosure... I did just have one fail... it was made in 1997, so 22 years, or so... the plastic got worn out that was "flipping the switch." It did come with more, but I probably lost them twenty years ago.

Digital light timers are OK, but they have batteries that can run down and then they lose their settings with a power outage... more of a pain than they are worth.

I like the ones with green "on" tabs and red "off" tabs (there are many), but the ones at Harbor freight work too, they are just not labeled so write on them with a sharpie which is "on" and which is "timer."

Thanks jda, would you be able to provide a link to a good one?

 

[jda]

There is a good one by Intermatic (that oreo posted, kinda). They are good. Keep the extra red and green tab thingies.

https://www.zoro.com/intermatic-timer-mechanical-120v-15a-plug-in-tn311/i/G7005844/
You sometimes see these without grounds. I do not know if those are 15 amp, or not, plus your ballast will likely have a ground, so get a grounded one.

 

[JP Reef]

I use these.

Amazon product ASIN B074GVPYPY

 

[Mical]

+1 @WVNed - You can program up to 8 different times & dual outlet. (no little plastic pegs needed)

 

[LadyTang2]

Thanks all. So each bulb/ballast will need one of these, its own timer, ok! A couple more questions...

I'm sure you guys then plug that into a surge protector, how about power conditioners? You all using/would use both?

I know the title says not apex, but how much power can run through one of those bars, could you plug in multiple 250w ballasts into one of those powerbars.

 

[jda]

I run all of my Halides off of one of those timers with a three-way cord or whatever on the other side. They are 15 amps. I use magnetic m80 ballasts, so surge is not an issue.

 

[LadyTang2]

With a switchable ballast (one that could be either 250 or 400) surge would be an issue right?

Some say magnetic works better although I dont understand how, but also produces more noise.