cfl and timers

[skotty]

hi any1 recommened or do i need a specific timer for 250watt cfl

or is it a case of a £2.99 argos job thanks in advance

[sandbag500]

most plug in segment timers are ok, tesco's finest at about 3 quid, use a contacter cos them timers dont last long without.

[nooby_dr_green_thumb]

cfl lights dont need a contractor do they
i have my 250w cfl on a segment timer just a fiver from fleabay
had it on months never failed

[sandbag500]

cfl lights dont need a contractor do they
i have my 250w cfl on a segment timer just a fiver from fleabay
had it on months never failed

Famous last words, til ya house catches fire

Trust me, those timers arnt designed to switch any size clf, get a contacter, save ya house / grow

[skotty]

ok ok didnt know what a contactor was so i looked at my local ponics shop online at there contactors and this is what it said

Contactor will handle up to 3 x 600w lights, 4 x 400w lights or 1 x 1,000w light depending whether it is a One, Two or Four Light Timer Contactor. We also supply a 'Four Light Heavy Duty Timer Contactor', which will switch up to 4 x 600w lights, 4 x 400w lights or 2 x 1,000w lights. Usually speaking you can plug a 250w light straight into a timer and not use a contactor.

[sandbag500]

ok ok didnt know what a contactor was so i looked at my local ponics shop online at there contactors and this is what it said

Contactor will handle up to 3 x 600w lights, 4 x 400w lights or 1 x 1,000w light depending whether it is a One, Two or Four Light Timer Contactor. We also supply a 'Four Light Heavy Duty Timer Contactor', which will switch up to 4 x 600w lights, 4 x 400w lights or 2 x 1,000w lights. Usually speaking you can plug a 250w light straight into a timer and not use a contactor.

thats up to you fella, I know from experience, in my job, (sparky), but Id use a contacter mate.

dont always belive everything you read.

[nooby_dr_green_thumb]

i dont know anyone who needs a contractor for a cfl light
think your mixed up there
hps you need a contractor not a cfl
my dads a sparky can someone come along and let us know the truth because im sure you dont need one
think sandbags smoked too much

[nooby_dr_green_thumb]

here you go

"No, as CFL are self ballasting, they will work fine on the standard timers.."

in novice section
https://www.thctalk.com/cannabis-foru...thread.php?t=6

scroll down and see the bit about hps on timers then scroll down to the talk about cfl and you will see
but i supose im wrong sandbag and my house is going to burn down
ohh nooo

[dj #]

thats hardly expert info nooby just a post by a member and who's to say they are right?

for safety's sake a contactor would be a sensible purchase when using a more powerful CFL light
for use with HID lights its essential

[FZjb]

i've been using 1 digi timer to run 430w of cfl with no probs, no warm wires or plugs, or any probs sofar.

the timer says its rated to 2000w so i'm not that worried. i WOULD use a contactor if i was running a ballast/HPS tho' as from what i can gather those things runa damn sight hotter than cfl's and take a lot bigger kick from your juice to start them