Will this be safe?

I need a new timer to controll 2 600w lights, I have a 20 amp circuit. I found a Titan 40amp 4 light controller for $140, but I don't think I need to run it at 40 amps unless I was drawing close to that right

In other words, will it be safe to run it at 20 amps using only 2 600w lights? Is there a cheaper alternative? I don't want to use cheap plstic timers. My local store tried selling me a timed powerstrip that is only 15 amps, that doesn't seem too safe to me for 2 600's...

The 15amp timer strip is fine for 2 600w light. 1k lights run at 9.5 amps @ 120v, 4.75 amps @240v. Check the amperage on your ballasts. If it is at least 2-3 amps under your max rating, you're fine. I'd say the most those 2 lights will burn is 13-14amps, and that is right at start up. The only time ballasts are running at that full capacity is when they fire the bulbs up.

Right, I've just heard stories about cheap timers failing and melting/burning, which I'd like to avoid lol. I'd feel safer with a 20amp heavy duty timer, but I can't seem to find one, they are all 15..

That switchbox will work more than fine for you, and allow you to use more equipment later if you need.

It's a bit overkill; but that never hurt anything.

The 40 Amp Rating is Maximum sustained I would imagine.
You will only pull through it what your equipment demands:
2- 600's and some fans, etc. would probably put your draw at around 1500 watts.
Watts = Amps x Voltage. 1500 = 12.5 AMPS x 120 Volts.

On the timer subject: most consumer timers, (even the 'heavy duty' models), are not rated for ballasts and the contacts eventually burn out inside the relays.
Sometimes they catch fire before the contacts are completely melted...

The control center will protect the timer and your home by sending most of the power through a contactor instead of the timer itself.
Hope this helps man.

Thanks Marty, that's what I was thinking.. If I lived alone I wouldn't worry much about it but family n pets are not worth risking..

Stump - got a link for the controller you were looking at?


Edit- also my flower room is currently wired with 4 sockets one on each of the walls.. Would it be safe to run 4 600's, 2 inline fans, an 1 oscillating fan from them?

Do you know how many amps the circuit/s are?

if you have other stuff to run and it exceeds the amperage like an ac/heater or dehumidifier, you can always run it on another circuit with an extension cord. i have 3 extension cords in my house coming out of my grow room to different circuits cause it's too much work to run them thru the wall. just make sure the extension cords are rated to handle the amperage. i got 1 for my dehumidifier, another for my ac, then one for my chiller and water pumps to cool my co2 generator. i run my fans(inline and circ) on the plugs already in the room. my lights are on a 240v relay switch on a dedicated circuit. if using extension cords that amperage rating is extremely important and can cause a fire if you go over.

i have 6, 600watters in cool tubes 3 rows, 3 high velocity inline fans, 8 inline low velocity fans, 6 circ fans, 15 amp dehumidifier, 10 amp mini split ac, hydrogen pro water cooled co2 generator with a chiller to keep the water cool.

Sorry for the delay but it's wired with a 20amp breaker... I was at a local hydro store an I can get a Titan light controller for 4 600's for a little over 200$ I'm prolly gunna pick it up, 3 more 600's, inlines an the ducting plus another fan or two ..