Mechanical Timer Warning
 

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

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 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.

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 :-)

Peter

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
...
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