timer switches

hey does anyone have a good suggestion of what kind of timer ineed for my 600watt 250volt hps light, have purchased 3 already an none support the light, so having to do it manually which isnt always viable!!

Ok here is what I finally did. I went to my local hydroponics shop and asked for a 220v 15amp and they sold me the same one I found online. An Intermatic. I have used it for this grow and have had no problems. I am upgrading for next grow NOT because of the timer. I will use it in my veg room.

EDIT - You need the special outlet with the two horizontal top prongs.

this is what i did-

it's a contactor. i has a double pole, single throw switch, similar to the pressure switch on your well pump or air compressor.

instead of being activated by pressure, its controlled by a very low amp draw, trigger coil.
so you wire the hot side(plug) 220 to one side of the switch, and the outlet ends to the other side. mine are 30 amp.so they would run 5 lights at 240v.

then you run a110v male cord end to the trigger coil. it draws a fraction of an amp, and a standard 15 amp timer would run an army of them. plug this into you timer. when the timer turns over, it will send current to the trigger coil, contacting the 240V contacts(switch) turning your lights on. all parts available at the local electric house for 35 bucks.

if you have any questions, pm me.

happy growing.

you need 1 of these here to run hid lighting with timers....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3kw-POWERSTAR...062111&po=LVI&ps=63&clkid=8673263991258508340

its a standard kit sold in hydro stores for timers
i wouldnt advise making your own

TheTokingKing said:

Ok here is what I finally did. I went to my local hydroponics shop and asked for a 220v 15amp and they sold me the same one I found online. An Intermatic. I have used it for this grow and have had no problems. I am upgrading for next grow NOT because of the timer. I will use it in my veg room.

EDIT - You need the special outlet with the two horizontal top prongs.

Click to expand...

Just what I was going to suggest. I use a Intermatic, but 120v. They have the 220/240. Excellent, heavy duty timers.

Wet

You don't need any real expensive stuff for one light. Go to any hardware/home improvement store, big or small. Tell the guy exactly what you need. He'll fix you up quick. I use the heavy duty Intermatic. Great timer but definitely overkill for one light. They're used for multiple lights or water heaters in the straight world. The one you need shouldn't cost you more than $10-12. If they ask, tell em it's to control a security light.
Hope this helps,
Fred

I use that Powerstar loveintheganja sent a link for and it works a treat.
Also you can buy a heavy duty timer from a lot of grow shops now that will take 1000w.

like flintstoned said, someplace like a home depot will usually have an entire wall of timer this and timer that, all rated for all sorts of stuff. they are usually in the 10-20 dollar range. my only suggestion is to skip digital timers and only use mechanical, and make sure there are 2 outlets on the timer (trust me). grow shop timers would be my first choice because they are made specifically to work with indoor garden equipment, but i know not everyone has one close by. i use a sunleaves mechanical timer and mine was 20 bucks. worth every penny.

i see fails in the making...

yuou should try one of these timers- there simply the best, and what professionals use and architects and engineers spec. trust no other brand.
ive seen these things work for 40+ years without a single interruption.

tork time switches