Plug Timer Flourescent Light

supermonkey

Hi All,

I've just got a plug timer like this one
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=27346&C=5716&U=shop_DY57M

Can anyone explain why it can't be used for fluorescent lighting?

I bought it to control the light on my aquarium which is only 30w.

Thanks

John_3:16

Sorry no I would think it should be ok? Th only reason I can see is that they may say it can not be put on the lighting ring as it cannot be hardwired in. I would think it would be ok on a light that uses a 3pin plug with the correct fuse.

DVardysShadow

Probably it cannot cope with inductive loads.

squack

supermonkey wrote: »

Hi All,

I've just got a plug timer like this one
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?ModuleNo=27346&C=5716&U=shop_DY57M

Can anyone explain why it can't be used for fluorescent lighting?

I bought it to control the light on my aquarium which is only 30w.

Thanks

that should work just fine mate. cant see the start up current of a fluorescent fishtank ballast with a 30 watt tube hurting that timer

ohyeahitssorcy

Ive used one of these for ages on my vivarium lights a 30w flourescent on a 3kw rated timer switch isnt even worth mentioning

supermonkey

Thanks for all your replies and help. I will probably just give it a go then!

DVardysShadow wrote: »

Probably it cannot cope with inductive loads.

Could you go into a little more detail?

Mankysteve

The problem with florescent lighting is that for a short while they draw a large current to get them self started this only last a a few milliseconds. I use a standard rotary times for my fish tank, but as usually use at your own risk.

espresso

Mankysteve wrote: »

The problem with florescent lighting is that for a short while they draw a large current to get them self started this only last a a few milliseconds. I use a standard rotary times for my fish tank, but as usually use at your own risk.

There is no risk - it will work fine!

supermonkey

There seems to be some differences of opinions here, when we talk about a large current to get them started, how large are we talking? Will the manual for the starter tell me? As I said it isn't lighting for a room, it is just for a fishtank.

Swipe

We are only talking 30Watts here. If you are concerned why not put a 3amp fuse in the plug and if doesn't blow it can't be pulling much if any extra on start up.

supermonkey

thanks, i'll give that a try. I don't think I'd be worried if I were here but I'm going to be away!