Advise On Timer

[Focus111]

My 3' T5 lights (4 x 39W) is "shocking" my timer (theben brand). According to the manufacturer, I cannot use the timer with my T5 lights due to the high peak starting current that causes the contact to weld. What kind of timer can I use for T5 lights?

[genes]

Har? strange. I'm been using my ATI 4x39Watts T5HO lights with theben timer for more then a year without problems.

[BFG]

You could try Diehl brand, supposed to hold up even to MH lighting. Quite expensive at above $40 though.

[Goondoo]

I was using a $12 timer for 300W MH + CO2 solenoid for more than two years. Seriously, I do believe these timer do nothing else but behaves like a timer. Its basically a auto-On/Off switch.

However, the material used being able to withstand the current drawn or not is another issue.

Anyway, NTUC Ang Mo Kio have lots of timers these days. Maybe you would like to take a look.

[Focus111]

Below is statement from maker of timer:

The factory product engineer told us that they made a test for the lamp type T5 15W and the test result shows a peak starting current of 15-17Amps was measured, this starting current will be enough to cause the contacts to weld if the lamp is start and re-start in very short interval giving no time for the contact to cool down. However, with three of these lamps one start will be enough to cause contact-weld, therefore, the only solution for your installation is to use a contactor for switching these lamps.

The service support of the timer distributor is superb. He even came to my home to find out the root cause of the failure. All in all, I've "destroyed" 3 units.

[Shadow]

wow, that is one excellent customer support.

Now that they know the cause, will they change the material to withstand more peak current?

In fact, I have been using those Ikea 2 for $9 timer. So far so good for 150W MH. Unless MH current peak isn't as high as T5. Can you asked them about MH?

[planted86]

wow...

but "this starting current will be enough to cause the contacts to weld if the lamp is start and re-start in very short interval giving no time for the contact to cool down."

so i think its ok unless you turn off and on in very short interval.... and if you give it enough time to cool down before you on it again, i don't think it will cause the contacts to weld... have been using T5 for my planted tank for 3 years and nothing happened(touchwood).

[Shadow]

should read the whole statement "However, with three of these lamps one start will be enough to cause contact-weld"

[Focus111]

My timer interval setup time is not short. Start at 2pm & cut off at 9.30pm. The "kill" is immediate. Once the contact has been welded, there's no way to activate cut-off (not even manually).

I must agree that the customer support of the distributor is fantastic (product only cost $1. Actually bought the timer from a HDB electrical shop. Went there to change twice & the uncle gave me a sour face. Did a web search & manage to located the local distributor here. Below statement comes from the distributor's email to me this morning:

We understand that some light fitting fitted with condenser and this will help to eliminate the effect during starting but this is not a mandatory requirement for light fitting, so some comes with and some don’t.

I think I've got to ask Nature Aquarium on this matter. It could be the light set that is giving this problem. Before I change to T5, I don't have this problem

[Shadow]

what is condenser?

[Viper007]

An interesting problem you have. I been using the ben timer for the last 7 years on 4 different lighting set which never had such problem you have face.

[k3nlim]

I'm using theben timer with T5HO lights..everything seems to be okie.

[Jaws]

Do look out once in awhile. My Ben timer burnt. I'm using T5HO by the way.

[k3nlim]

Will keep a close watch for it..don't want to come home and see a tankful of cooked fishes and plants.

[Focus111]

NA was kind to change another set of light for me. Went home & once plug in to theben timer, same problem. cannot be 2 different brand of light so co-incident burnt the timer. headache now is to trial & error on different brand. not lucky, waste $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[tawauboy]

maybe you should consider using a contactor to switch on/off your lights since you have been experiencing a number of timer failures with your light sets. frankly, a contactor is an overkill as contactor is used for switching much higher electrical loads. you may need an electrician to help you to wire it up. a timer will be used to switch on the contactor which in turn will switch on your light set.

[mark0308]

what is condenser?

A condenser is a AC capacitor to cushion sudden spike or collapse of current. Voltage lapse current by 90 degrees.
Best regards
Mark Tan

[Focus111]

Contactor was indeed recommended by distributor of theben timer & it cost $35 to wire one up. Any one got better lobang as I find it very ex.

[tawauboy]

a contactor is similar to a relay.
connect the timer to the 'coil' terminal of the contactor.
connect the lights to the 'normally open' contacts of the contactor.

when the timer switches on, the contactor coil will be energised and closes the contacts. thus your lights will be powered.

usual word of caution, get a qualified electrician to do the work. electricity kills.

[Focus111]

Is $35 a good price for a contactor? Can this be bought off the shelf at Sim Lim Sq?