Timer For Flourescent Lights

[jarmado]

i tried using a digital timer for my flourescent lights but they reset themselves every now and then - usually in 2 days...
anyone of you know a brand or shop where i can get a digital timer can will work well with flourescent lights...
or should i go for the mechanical one?

 

[Bloo]

I've piced up a few no name brands and they all work just fine. Sounds like you have a faulty unit. Get another of a different brand.

 

[jarmado]

I've piced up a few no name brands and they all work just fine. Sounds like you have a faulty unit. Get another of a different brand.

i have been using a digital timer from argos for more than 4 months when it broke down...
i got another digital timer from robert dyas and it resets after 2 days...
got it replaced with the same one - thinking that the timer is defective - but the same thing happened...
i swapped the timer (robert dyas) with the timer (argos#2) for my night-lights (LEDs)...
the one from robert dyas is now working smoothly on the LEDs with no resets...
but the one from argos (now on the flourescent) again starts resetting after 2 days...

 

[andywg]

Some timers do not like the power burst of ballasts coming on. I believe this can be combatted with the installation of a relay or contactor of some sort. I know RC has a couple of threads on this due to the extreme power of a 400W Metal Halide kicking on.

 

[BigIan]

i`ve got a mecanical one no problems what so ever with it, got it from b&q only problem i had was when i had filter "issues" it got wet and fried me when i tried turning the lights on early

 

[jarmado]

just been to homebase, saw one that specifically indicates that it is compatible with flourescent lights..
but for £16.99!

 

[Bloo]

Try Argos or eBay. Mine weren't fluorescent light specific.

 

[jarmado]

Try Argos or eBay. Mine weren't fluorescent light specific.

my argos ones are not flourescent light specific but the first one broke down gradually while the second one is now resetting every 2 days and it is hot-to-the-feel when i touch it...
i had a look at timeguard's website and their digital timers are compatible with flourescent lights..
http/www.timeguard.com/products.php?channel=3

my only concern is that i am going on holiday for week (starting bank holiday monday next week) and i need a timer that will guarantee continous on/off of the flourescents when i am away...
i will try ebay as suggested but may have no time to test the timer..
i might just invest on the £16.99 homebase one..

 

[bobf]

I had the exact same problem with the trendy digital timer. 2 days perfect then nothing - reset, wait 2 more days then off again!

Changed to a £2.99 mechanical timer never missed a beat!

Ditch the digital and go mechanical - you won't look back!

 

[jarmado]

I had the exact same problem with the trendy digital timer. 2 days perfect then nothing - reset, wait 2 more days then off again!

Changed to a £2.99 mechanical timer never missed a beat!

Ditch the digital and go mechanical - you won't look back!

thanks mate!