In-wall mechanical timer not turning off.

[elmatth1]

So, I have started up a new tank and decided to make a power center for my lights so that I don't have plug in timers all over the place. So, I wired up three in-wall mechanical timers in an enclosure to a power cord. Each timer controls a seperate outlet wired into the enclosure next to it.

When I tested everything with a regular lamp, it worked great. I hooked it up to my lighting system and it worked fine, most of the time. Problem is, the timers will turn my MH ballasts on every time, but sometimes they won't turn off. Same thing with the timer that controls the T5 lights. The timer controlling the two LED floodlights on my ATS work perfect every time.

In my research trying to figure this out, I came across some information that certain in-wall timers will not work with CFL bulbs. The timers that I am using do not state whether or not they work with CFL bulbs. Is that the problem? If so, what is the difference between the MH and T5 that would cause the timers to not turn them off, whereas they turn off the LED lights off every time? How can I resolve this issue?

 

[bighead]

On most electronic timers you can not use a cfl or ballast style lamp I think you should be good if you use an E1010 timer

 

[thegrun]

You need to use heavy duty timers that specifically state that they are rated for ballasts. I built my own several years ago. In the end it would have been less expensive and more functional to get a controller, but here is what I made:

 

[elmatth1]

I just don't get why it works some times, but not others. I figured having the mechanical type with the dial and pins to select the times would work just like the plug in type of timers. I figured wrong, i guess. I wonder if I connect a 120v relay between the timer and outlets if that would solve the problem? Anyone done that before?

 

[zachts]

Any mechanical timer should work fine. It is only some electronic timers that do not.

I assume your using one of the plastic dial types that are meant to replace a wall switch?

Check that the "off" set pin/s are all the way seated and making contact with the switch inside the timer. Sometimes they come loose and just don't hit the "off" switch as the dial rotates.

 

[elmatth1]

Yes, I am using the type with the dial that replaces a wall outlet. I will check the pins to make sure they are making contact. Thanks.