clarification about timers and hid lights

[fenderstrat]

do any normal timers work well with 600 watt hps ballasts? like say 14 amp timers for christmas lights, those will work fine or? sorry for the stupid question, i may have just been mislead i think. :rastasmoke:

fenderstrat Reviewed by fenderstrat on 12-27-2007. clarification about timers and hid lights do any normal timers work well with 600 watt hps ballasts? like say 14 amp timers for christmas lights, those will work fine or? sorry for the stupid question, i may have just been mislead i think. :rastasmoke: Rating: 5

[gainesvillegreen]

Well, use a little physics and figure out what you're working with. P=IV. That's power (in watts) = current (in amps) x voltage. Assuming a 120v house power point, 600=I x 120, I solves for 5, or 5 amps in your circuit.

So if your power supply is 120v, then you'll be pulling 5 amps (or 2.5 if a 240v system). A 14 amp timer would work just fine.

[GaGrown]

Go with the Intermatic at home depot. It's reated at 1525 watts. Has 2 plugs,like the hydrofarm timers. So easy to use.If you are worried that it won't work for you? Then this is the one to use.

Ga Grown!

[stinkyattic]

The timer that GaGrown shows is the exact one I use. I had it wired onto my main panel in the basement, on a dedicated circuit to a normal-looking outlet in my attic. It's a nice burly timer that can handle a large load SAFELY and will last forever.