• Neon, LED, Lighting

  Signs on a timer?

  Posted by Joseph Helm on 28 June 2012 at 19:17

  Hi

  I was wondering if anyone knows the best way to put a timer on light boxes?

  I was going to use a timer/spur (to just replace the spur thats already there)
  But I’ve been told it’s not suitable because of the way it’s all wired. (timer battery would drain due to lack of neutral)

  Can I just use a plug in timer and put a plug on the end of the lights?

  Thanks

  Joseph

  Kevin Flowers replied 13 years, 3 months ago 3 Members · 3 Replies
• 3 Replies

• 

  Phill Fenton

  Member

  28 June 2012 at 19:51

  If using a timer You’ll need a heavy duty version like this

  http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/HEAVY-DUTY-22-amp-CONTACTOR-TIMER-SWITCHES-UPTO-1200-WATTS-HYDROPONIC-GROW-LIGHT-/270983470690?pt=UK_HomeGarden_Garden_PlantsSeedsBulbs_JN&hash=item3f17df9e62#ht_1847wt_1185

• 

  Joseph Helm

  Member

  28 June 2012 at 20:13

  Thanks for the quick reply Phill.

  I’ll pick one up!

  Thanks again.

• 

  Kevin Flowers

  Member

  28 June 2012 at 22:26

  word of caution you need to understand inductive & resistive loads, you haven’t said what lights/qty you are using. This goes for everyone, fluorescent lights are an inductive load an most timers can only handle small inductive loads. I also always fit double pole switches so that live and neutral is both switched. Also ensure that you have a good earth has fluorescent transformer have a certain amount of voltage leakage varying on each transformer but without an earth you may feel a slight tingle when touching metal surfaces.

  If you aren’t sure use an electrician it is not orth getting it wrong

  Kev

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