[canisson]

I have a dual 175 MH system with 2 separate cords/switches on a single ballast. What I need to know is, can I hook a double outlet-single outlet adapter and plug BOTH cords into 1 timer in order to turn on/off both MH bulbs at the same time? Or do I (should I) plug each cord into it's own separate timer and attempt to synchronize them to the same on/off times? What if I used a heavy-duty appliance-type timer, would this make any difference? As much as I'd like to burn down my house at times, I really don't wish to do this, so any help here is as always, greatly appreciated!

 

[johnnypal]

I have 2 MH ballasts hooked up to one timer and it has been working fine for almost a year now.

 

[canisson]

Is it just a regular timer, or a heavy duty appliance timer? I think I will try this, but I will opt for a HD timer, just to err on the side of caution.....I tend to have that kind of luck, and I already had a fire once, don't plan on another one!

 

[scleractinian]

Be careful to stay well withing the amperage rating of the timer and the adapter. Depending somewhat on the lamp, magnetic ballasted halides can have a huge initial current draw. I've also heard second hand accounts of arcing in the timer (analog mechanical) causing either degradation of the contacts and failure to switch on, and welding of the contacts and failure to switch off.

I think that most grounded (3 prong) timers are sold as "heavy duty", but I don't think that there's any standard for using that term.

 

[Skippy_electrician]

I can say that it would be a good idea to go with a higher amp timer. I have fried 2 timers that I knew wernt big enough for my light (but hell, Im an electrician and figured it would work for a bit) and they will work for a bit until you just wear them out. I know have them hooked up to a timer you would find in a big building and they are doing great.