Timer/ Contactor problem

ive been having alot of trouble getting my timer to work with my light, ive allready bought 2, and then found out that i needed a contactor, so i just bought a 250w one and plugged it into the second timer i bought. the problem is that it wont switch off, even if you switch off the timer manually


the timer is 230v ac 50Hz 13A (reistive) 2A (inductive)

250 w metal halide lamp

this is getting frustraiting and expensive, is my timer still too small to be used? maybe if it were 15A? do i need to go spend more money on growing instead of smoking again? i mean this doesnt sound like a very common

is it possible i could have blown timers before by using them without a contactor?

Yep, timers are screwed. The contactor has 2 plugs make sure you put the right one in the timer (it should be marked 'timer' ) the other plug goes into a normal outlet, most of the timers here in the uk that are rated for 13amps will weld the contacts together after switching on an hid lamp only once, its the inductive load of the ballast that does this.

thanks, yeh i pluged it up correctly....i think im going to go back to the hydro shop again today, it was really kiff, and had some digital timers. i think i'll trust their choice over ones in the local home stores, would a homebase or b&q b better to get a 15A...i want to make this my final time getting a timer and want one that will actually work, its allready getting too expensive

I use digital timers from b+q with no trouble, they will power the contactor and that will power the light.

ok nice one, i'll be off to b&q tomorrow...i found these specifics at some random hydro shops online of their timers and am going to look for


125VAC/60Hz
15(2)A
15(3)Amp

max load 1875W (15Ax125VAC)
Max Light load 960W (8Ax120VAC)

is that correct?

No, they are usa spec but uk spec will be similar and rated for 240v The cheap timers from b&q or any diy store will work no probs mate. The timers you started with would have been fine if used through a contactor to prevent the arc across the contacts so if you get the same thing you will be fine