Mechanical Timer Warning

2pods · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 44

I've used a mechanical timer on my tank lights since I've had it.
In preparation for my new tank arriving, I went to Homebase to pick up a
pack.
However, all the mechanical, and most of the digital timers had warnings on
them saying not to be used with fluorescent lights.
Why ?

Or do they mean the old style ballast with a start up routine/flicker
whatever ?

Peter

Archived from group: rec>aquaria>tech

Polarhound · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 33

2pods wrote:
> I've used a mechanical timer on my tank lights since I've had it.
> In preparation for my new tank arriving, I went to Homebase to pick up a
> pack.
> However, all the mechanical, and most of the digital timers had warnings on
> them saying not to be used with fluorescent lights.
> Why ?

Probably for the same reason my last optical mouse came with a lead
warning attached to the cord... The average intelligence level of the
world is in steady decline.

It sounds like they just don't want people buying them for non-self
starting flourescent lights because they won't work without modifying
the switch.

Geoff Kemp · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 4

> Or do they mean the old style ballast with a start up routine/flicker
> whatever ?

I`ve been using one for a while now with no issues, though YMMV

Geoff

2pods · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 44

>> However, all the mechanical, and most of the digital timers had warnings
>> on them saying not to be used with fluorescent lights.
>> Why ?
>
> Probably for the same reason my last optical mouse came with a lead
> warning attached to the cord... The average intelligence level of the
> world is in steady decline.
>
> It sounds like they just don't want people buying them for non-self
> starting flourescent lights because they won't work without modifying the
> switch.

Took them back and bought a pack of three timers for £8.99.
A difference of £25 Smile

Peter

"John > · Joined: 16 Aug 2007 Posts: 12

Standard Fluorescent Lights use up to 10 times the wattage to start. This
surge may be higher that the contact rating of the timer.

JOhn >

"2pods" wrote in message @uni-berlin.de...
> I've used a mechanical timer on my tank lights since I've had it.
> In preparation for my new tank arriving, I went to Homebase to pick up a
> pack.
> However, all the mechanical, and most of the digital timers had warnings
> on them saying not to be used with fluorescent lights.
> Why ?
>
> Or do they mean the old style ballast with a start up routine/flicker
> whatever ?
>
> Peter
>