jed

hya ive just dug out my old digi timer-it wasnt a cheap 1 either and the red light comes on at the designated time but not engaging the elec so i think its buggered
ive search the web and it seems this is a common issue with timers but theres conflicting info some say a contactor is essential to stop them getting fried and some say not to bother
what the opinion of the growing masses?as contactors not cheap
peace
jed

Roach

a contactor is a relay. In american electrical lingo it's a relay meant to carry higher currents, like the current required to turn on a high wattage bulb (lamp & ballast) or possibly pump motors) your digi timer may have a fuse in it that has blown, and some digital timers may use solid state switching devices inside. (scr(s), triac, quadrac, or alternistor inside (similar to a switching transistor)(not consumer replacable)

Most mechanical timers are rated at higher amperage. And are just big arsed switches....nothing "electronic" to fry....but must still be rated at the required current (amperage) ...rule of thumb calculate 1 ampere (amp) per 100 watts, this gives a little leeway.

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jed

ive found an old dial type i had previously seems to be working see how long it lasts eh?
cant be doin with gettin up at stupid oclock turnin lights on!

farmergiles

You might get away with using a regular split segment timer for one HID light. Sometimes they stick on when the lights come on- the lights use a lot more power when they are starting up which can fuse the contacts.

If you want something heavier duty there are these timers which are designed for the job Plug-And-Grow-CFL-Timer. Or you can buy heavy duty timers which are meant to control immersion heaters.

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Bobbito Blaze

Sorry roach but a contactor is nothing more then a switch it dosn't change current voltage just flow . Thecontrol of currnt would be controlled by transformer it just what I said a fancy name for a switch and contactors are pretty cheap but to take it apart match it up and make the repair. Lot easer to get a new timer.