timer question

[cthulhu]

I need a timer that I can use to control my lights, however I have no idea what I'm looking for or how much I should be spending on it.

I currently have 190 Watts total of flourescent fixtures and CFLs. all of the lights are hard wired with 1 switch before the breaker (that is, there are no male or female plug ends, it's all hard wired).

the fact that there are no male or female plug ends is making me wonder if I'll need to replace the switch with male and female plug ends, just so that I can use them to plug in a timer to control the lights (all the cheaper timers I see seem to involve some sort of plug).

anyways I'm looking for a reasonably priced timer with a 24-hour cycle that will allow me to light my space with an 18/6 light cycle. I'm wondering if anyone could please point me in the right direction with any recommendations/advice that they may have.

thanks in advance.

edit: I should note that I do not plan on growing these plants for very long under 190 watts; I will be growing them for their first month under it before I put them outdoors.

cthulhu Reviewed by cthulhu on 04-06-2008. timer question I need a timer that I can use to control my lights, however I have no idea what I'm looking for or how much I should be spending on it. I currently have 190 Watts total of flourescent fixtures and CFLs. all of the lights are hard wired with 1 switch before the breaker (that is, there are no male or female plug ends, it's all hard wired). the fact that there are no male or female plug ends is making me wonder if I'll need to replace the switch with male and female plug ends, just so that I Rating: 5

[ReKaNizE]

Yea man not sure to much what ur going through but From what I know, Any timer u buy , U need to plug the lights into that or whatever u want to be turned on or off for u. Go to walmart or something and they have them there for about 9-20$. Handle up to 1650Watts sometimes more....

[cthulhu]

yeah I'll take a look at walmart tomorrow on my lunch.

although I'd really like to invest in one of these:

Buy Intermatic T101 Heavy-Duty Contractor Grade Time Switch

but I'm just a little worried about the noise, since it's obviously mechanical. anyone have one of these, and if so, could you tell me if they're very loud? I don't want people thinking my grow cab is a bomb or something from strange ticking sounds coming from it. :wtf: