Aero/NFT Noob question regarding cycle timers

R1Farmer

Active Member
I'm about to jump on the Aero/NFT bandwagon after reading various journals and threads here in RIU...specifically Stinkbud's thread. I've tried using RIU's search feature but could not get an objective answer regarding the use of CAP's ART-DNe (or other manufacturer's) cycle timer and the maximum amount of pumps one can use on a single cycle timer.

From what I've read so far folks either have not had any problems running up to 5 400gph pumps on a heavy duty 15amp powre strip or regular power strips OR folks suggest using/building a relay or definite purpose contactor between the power strip and cycle timer.

I aplogize if this question has been answered but RIU's search feature did not help me and the many many excellent threads (such as Stinkbud's) have too many pages to read through thoroughly....:eyesmoke:

Thanks in advance braddahz and sistahz.
 
I'm about to jump on the Aero/NFT bandwagon after reading various journals and threads here in RIU...specifically Stinkbud's thread. I've tried using RIU's search feature but could not get an objective answer regarding the use of CAP's ART-DNe (or other manufacturer's) cycle timer and the maximum amount of pumps one can use on a single cycle timer.

From what I've read so far folks either have not had any problems running up to 5 400gph pumps on a heavy duty 15amp powre strip or regular power strips OR folks suggest using/building a relay or definite purpose contactor between the power strip and cycle timer.

I aplogize if this question has been answered but RIU's search feature did not help me and the many many excellent threads (such as Stinkbud's) have too many pages to read through thoroughly....:eyesmoke:

Thanks in advance braddahz and sistahz.


Here are the specs....

CAP NFT-1e 1-Minute ON 4-Minutes OFF Preset Recycle Timer
Simplest device for turning equipment ON and OFF at precise intervals
Preset at 1-minute ON
Preset at 4-minutes OFF
Rated for 15 amps at 120 volts


so i 15 amp would be fine as long as your within range on the pumps... meaning if each pump is a 3amp pump and you have 4 pumps then youll have 12amp running through a 15 amp wire. you dont wanna run anymore than 70% of a breaker or cable. 12amp is maximum on a 15amp line.
 
It is always best to use a relay to control pumps and high voltage applications like HEI lighting. The $10 cost of a relay is cheap insurance. it is much chepaer to replace a $10 relay then a expensive timer. I use Omron H5CX-AD timers. Interval are set my the user 0.001 s to 9.999 s, 0.01 s to 99.99 s, 0.1 s to 999.9 s, 1 s to 9999 s, 0.1 min to 999.9 min, 1 min to 9999 min, 0.1 h to 999.9 h, 1 h to 9999 h , 1s to 99min59s , 1min to 99h59min. Those are the ranges. You can set for any interval within those ranges. I buy the timers on eBay. Retail they are over $150 each. http://www.ia.omron.com/product/item/h5cx4004g/index.html
 
I have one DNe-1 hooked to a six-way power strip. It is running six 528gph pumps with no problem so far. I was worried about the same thing when i purchased the timer but I ran 10/2 wire on a 30amp breaker and have had no problems with the timer. Just a note this timer has been used for about 10 months this way.:bigjoint: Let me also say this timer isnt exactly accurate. If you are wanting an exact interval you might want to go digital. I timed mine out to be 60sec on and 3min 47sec off. Close enough but not exact.
 
Back
Top