B&Q timer for my 300w CFL?

T

Thematt202

Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #1

Can I use a standard cheap mechanical timer with a 300w CFL? I know that special equipment is needed for HPS timers but not sure about CFLs. I know to look for a mechanical one rather than electronic or digital but would this be safe to use?

 

S

SHLIMPY

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #2

i use one from the poundshop!!!

 

jondamon

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #3

hi thematt
unfortunately most standard UK plug timers are capable of running 125w before malfunction.
it may work for a certain period of time but then may malfunction.

i always use a horticultural lighting contactor unless i am running less than 125w.

for the sake of 30 quid against malfunctioning equipment or even worse the loss of your ladies, its a no brainer in my eyes.

CONTACTOR ALL THE WAY

ECOTECNICS make good ones i have their 2000w version cost me 26.99

J

 

medicalsb420

Active Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #4

the timers' electrical capacity should be listed on the label, so long as acceptable amperage is not exceeded plug that thing in!=) to be clear; i think your timer is fine, so long as it isnt really old and janky. you could do just fine with a $5 timer from hardware store w/ a 300watt cfl. Is the timer you have, on par with the timer i mentioned?if so, go for it.
*- when i wrote this i didnt realize you were from the UK. I know nothing about electrical standards in the UK. if that is the case, please disregard my post.

 

Bonzi Lighthouse

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #5

CONTACTOR ALL THE WAY
Oh you silly Europeans.

 

jondamon

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #6

Bonzi Lighthouse said:

CONTACTOR ALL THE WAY
Oh you silly Europeans.

Click to expand...

lol i agree we are silly.

i figured i needed one as soon as i started growing.
but then i bought a 600w as my first lighting system so i needed to make sure i was safe as i live at my grow and didnt fancy going to bed one night and not waking up lol.
ooooh theres something else a smoke alarm is good to have in your grow JUST INCASE


J

 

Bonzi Lighthouse

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #7

jondamon said:

lol i agree we are silly.

i figured i needed one as soon as i started growing.
but then i bought a 600w as my first lighting system so i needed to make sure i was safe as i live at my grow and didnt fancy going to bed one night and not waking up lol.
ooooh theres something else a smoke alarm is good to have in your grow JUST INCASE


J

Click to expand...

Is this a 240 vs 120 thing, I had never heard of it beforw the other day and I'm sure the hydro store does not even sell them or they would have sold me one.

 

jondamon

Well-Known Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #8

its a 240 120 thing i think.

in the US you normally have to put something in your main electrical board to compensate .

J

 

kershivo

Active Member

• Jul 16, 2010

• #9

i got mine from quality save and its upto 2000w! £2 bargain.