Timer on a MH?

[ChunksInClemson]

Just wanted to make sure it was safe to keep a MH ballast on a timer. I would obviously have to keep the ballast on all the time, but just making sure.

BTW, its a Coralife 150 HQI.

[herkey1993]

Shouldn't be a problem. I've had timers on my MH for 10 years and have 3 X 250W Radiums on a single timer now without any trouble.

[Randall_James]

Just make sure the time can handle the current load. A typical lamp timer is a bit on the weak side and you should usually find "Appliance" timers (20A)

[Nano Chris]

I got these for my tank, their outdoor timers, so can stand up to my lighting:
http://www.intermatic.com/images/products/hb88rc_prod_web.jpg
7 day/7 event programming
Multiple daily programming options
2 timed receptacles
Ratings: 15 Amps Resistive and Inductive, 1000 Watts Tungsten, 1/4 H.P., 120VAC, 60 Hz
3 prong grounded plug and receptacle
Easy to program
To-the-minute accuracy
http://www.intermatic.com/Default.asp?action=prod&pid=9235&did=5&cid=44&sid=116
Only $20 each at HD.

[Ty1e]

nice i have a 250watt MH and ive been looking for a timer that could handle that power, good old HD.

[Randall_James]

well that is a heavy duty unit... does it have a battery backup for the timer itself?

[Young Frankenstein]

The best timer is ones using a relay or manual contacts, theres timers out here that use SCRS or Triacks that I wouldn't recommend, if it says Inductive loads and the current, voltage is more than your ballast, YES you can use it.

[stemonia]

I use the inexpenseve ones from Home Depot. You manually set them with a small plastic on off switch. No battery backup needed. The only issue is that if the power goes out the timer will be off by some amount of time and your lights will not come on when u want them to. Siply turn the dial on the timer back to the proper setting and you're back in business.

[ChunksInClemson]

Thanks guys, i appreciate the input.

One more question, the ballast is running pretty hot and just wanted to make sure that this is common.

[Randall_James]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10549508#post10549508 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stemonia
I use the inexpenseve ones from Home Depot. You manually set them with a small plastic on off switch. No battery backup needed. The only issue is that if the power goes out the timer will be off by some amount of time and your lights will not come on when u want them to. Siply turn the dial on the timer back to the proper setting and you're back in business. There is another issue, many of those timers are "lamp" timers and not rated for the loads of a MH lighting system.

First hint of problems? only 2 prong receptacle... if in doubt do not use (fire sucks)

and yes, those ballasts can run hot enough to burn your fingers if you touch them.. make sure it has ventilation and is out of the way of any tank spills.. my ballasts are in a closet away from the tank entirely and mounted in approved enclosures. (they can explode, well parts of them)

[stemonia]

The ones I have a three prong. The brand is Intermatic and the model is the TN311. It's labeled as a "heavy duty" timer. Looking at the back of it, it says it will handle up to 1750 watts. I thin it cost me about $10 bucks at Home Depot. I've used them for years and they work great.

[ChunksInClemson]

Could I put the ballast under the tank stand and mount it to a piece of wood? Ouch that thing is hot!!!

[stemonia]

Mine are mounted on the outside of the back side of the canopy. I use metal spacers to minimize contact between the ballast and the wood.

[ChunksInClemson]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10551109#post10551109 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by stemonia
Mine are mounted on the outside of the back side of the canopy. I use metal spacers to minimize contact between the ballast and the wood.

So where would you get these kind of spacers?

[stemonia]

You can picke them up at home depot. You could also just stack up some stainless steel washers to make your own spacers. Simple to do and works just fine.