1000w light shuts off after warming up when plugged into timer

[Cannabean]

^^Interesting!!! that sounds exactly like whats happening to me...
Do you have a link or know the name/model of the timer you're running successfully on your 1000w digi right now? I want to get it.
thanks for the response...at least I wasn't the only one.
so now I know the problem...

Can anyone answer why some mechanical timers work fine for a while but then refuse to run digital ballasts on full power? theres gotta be a reason.

 

[RugerBaby]

read this thread guys..

https://www.icmag.com/ic/showthread.php?t=163032

 

[Sojourner]

^^Interesting!!! that sounds exactly like whats happening to me...
Do you have a link or know the name/model of the timer you're running successfully on your 1000w digi right now? I want to get it.
thanks for the response...at least I wasn't the only one.
so now I know the problem...

Can anyone answer why some mechanical timers work fine for a while but then refuse to run digital ballasts on full power? theres gotta be a reason.

I have a 600 watt digital, not a 1000, but the digital timer I have is a DT620CL. It's a little awkward to program, but after you got it configured it is accurate to the minute and always spot on. The timer is rated 15amp,1800 watts. I know it can handle 1000 watts, as I did have it running a power strip with both a 400 watt light and a 600 watt digital, and 2 ventilation fans plugged in. I paid close to $40 for it a year ago, but I see it for much cheaper now.

 

[Avenger]

Get a voltage meter and check the voltage at the outlet and through the timer.

 

[Orygun]

Hey Cannabean, Imo Nextgens are somewhat picky ballasts which don't like to fire or stay fired for various reasons. For instance mine (I've got 3 1000s) don't always like to fire metal halide bulbs. Now that I'm done ranting I've been very pleased with my cap mlc 4 lighting controller so far but it might not be so practical for your application and its kind of pricey, but it might be something to consider.

 

[Cannabean]

thanks for all the help and advice guys.

because of this thread, sojourner's tips, and the link rugerbaby posted, I decided to try a digital timer.

apparently all mechanical timers crap out after a while, nextgens are finiky about what they fire under so my mechanical timers didn't cut it.

if this is happening to anyone else, I suggest going to the hydro store and buying a digital timer.

I got a sunlight supply digital timer rated for 1800w and it works flawlessly!!! problem solved!!! screw mechanical timers!! (especially because the digital timer was only 20 bucks)

 

[toohighmf]

What did I tell you?

 

[fireburner23]

I've been having the same problem, but I have a hydrofarm digital one with a Lumatek 400w digital ballast. I cannot for the life of me figure out which part is malfunctioning.

 

[intotheunknown]

i have an almost identical setup to yours running the same exact ballast, the only thing different is the breaker size is 20a and the type of timer im using. im also using romex copper 12/2 wire. the timer is a G&E indoor timer for water heaters, lights, fans etc. rated up to 40amp and its universal for 120, 240,277v. you can find them at HD for about 35$. works just fine for me and havent had any problems yet. i would try to change the timer. and if you do end up buying one, let us know how it worked out for you. also check the receptacle and see what voltage its rated for. mine is rated for 125v

 

[fireburner23]

i have an almost identical setup to yours running the same exact ballast, the only thing different is the breaker size is 20a and the type of timer im using. im also using romex copper 12/2 wire. the timer is a G&E indoor timer for water heaters, lights, fans etc. rated up to 40amp and its universal for 120, 240,277v. you can find them at HD for about 35$. works just fine for me and havent had any problems yet. i would try to change the timer. and if you do end up buying one, let us know how it worked out for you. also check the receptacle and see what voltage its rated for. mine is rated for 125v

Yeah I know, the thing is I bought two of those hydrofarm digital timers; going to make a mother cab. I thought the first one I had wasn't working right, so I swapped it out and I have been using the extra one. I am having the same problem with the second timer. I am starting to think it might be the bulb; I've read that some users have problems with their bulbs not working right.