Combined UV bulbs / timers

SeeShell · 07-03-2011, 09:28 PM

Does anyone use a timer with their combined heat / UV lamp? A couple of mine have blown and I suspect it was the timer. Just wondered why and if anyone else has found this?
Thanks

Ozric Jonathan · 07-03-2011, 10:43 PM

Hi. I've used timers with combined uv and heat lamps. I won't claim not to have had any failures! But I didn't suspect the timer.

wigwamman · 07-03-2011, 11:07 PM

used timers for uv and heat,no problems to report.
just recently i have removed the dome reflectors from my clamp holders and the megarays work without flickering or cutting out.

Kirkie · 08-03-2011, 12:12 AM

I've had this problem with digital timers in the past. If you use a surge protection socket, like you can get for computers, it seems to alleviate the problem. I think its the jolt (?) of power as the timer kicks in that upsets the bulb.

anna m · 08-03-2011, 01:46 AM

I use a timer on my combination bulb. No trouble so far

**Alan1** · 08-03-2011, 05:29 AM

I have read of a few people who suspect the timer was to blame. I can't think that the timer switching the bulbs on would be any different to switching the switch on at the wall though

as soon as the there is two points of contact the electricity will be instantly on, it doesn't come on gradually. Having said that, after the snow in 1992 I think it was, we had a power cut for 4 days and when the power eventually came back on it blew our storage heaters because of the power surge and many other people had the same problem.

A lack of good contact between the bulb and holder can sometimes cause them to blow and as wigwamman says, overheating of the bulb in the holder sometimes.

The warranty should still cover them though

SeeShell · 08-03-2011, 10:59 AM

Thanks everyone. Yes, it's a digital timer so will take a look at a surge protection socket.

I know what you mean about bad contact Alan with bulb and holder - I have one I have to adjust regularly so contact is made. It's just the hassle of buying a bulb over the net then having to package it up and send it back.....much easier just to take it back to a shop along the road!! It's balancing price with convenience!

Dazza · 08-03-2011, 11:13 AM

I cant see that a timer would affect the operation of the bulb, after all its no different you switching them on yourself.

I have never had much luck with the digital timers, i think it must be something to do with the heat in my reptile rooms, just kills the timers of in around 12 months.

I find the best are the mechinical timers, the best being the £1 ones from B&Q they don't always have them but when they are on special i stock up

Darren

07-03-2011, 09:28 PM	#1
SeeShell Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 3,120	Combined UV bulbs / timers Does anyone use a timer with their combined heat / UV lamp? A couple of mine have blown and I suspect it was the timer. Just wondered why and if anyone else has found this? Thanks __________________ SS

07-03-2011, 10:43 PM	#2
Ozric Jonathan Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: West of Scotland Posts: 4,226	Hi. I've used timers with combined uv and heat lamps. I won't claim not to have had any failures! But I didn't suspect the timer. __________________ Testudo Hermanni Hermanni (Corse) tortoises

08-03-2011, 01:46 AM	#5
anna m Senior Member Adult Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Hertfordshire Posts: 4,091	I use a timer on my combination bulb. No trouble so far __________________ One by one the Penquins steal my sanity

08-03-2011, 10:59 AM	#7
SeeShell Senior Member Adult Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Scotland, UK Posts: 3,120	Thanks everyone. Yes, it's a digital timer so will take a look at a surge protection socket. I know what you mean about bad contact Alan with bulb and holder - I have one I have to adjust regularly so contact is made. It's just the hassle of buying a bulb over the net then having to package it up and send it back.....much easier just to take it back to a shop along the road!! It's balancing price with convenience! __________________ SS Last edited by SeeShell; 08-03-2011 at 11:01 AM.

08-03-2011, 11:13 AM	#8
Dazza Senior Member Adult Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 2,486	I cant see that a timer would affect the operation of the bulb, after all its no different you switching them on yourself. I have never had much luck with the digital timers, i think it must be something to do with the heat in my reptile rooms, just kills the timers of in around 12 months. I find the best are the mechinical timers, the best being the £1 ones from B&Q they don't always have them but when they are on special i stock up Darren __________________ www.inkaproducts.co.uk www.megaray.co.uk

07-03-2011, 11:07 PM	#3
wigwamman Member Juvenile Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: west midlands Posts: 800	used timers for uv and heat,no problems to report. just recently i have removed the dome reflectors from my clamp holders and the megarays work without flickering or cutting out.

08-03-2011, 12:12 AM	#4
Kirkie Senior Member Adult Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 4,887	I've had this problem with digital timers in the past. If you use a surge protection socket, like you can get for computers, it seems to alleviate the problem. I think its the jolt (?) of power as the timer kicks in that upsets the bulb.

08-03-2011, 05:29 AM	#6
Alan1 Super Moderator Adult Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Sunny Scotland Posts: 21,512	I have read of a few people who suspect the timer was to blame. I can't think that the timer switching the bulbs on would be any different to switching the switch on at the wall though as soon as the there is two points of contact the electricity will be instantly on, it doesn't come on gradually. Having said that, after the snow in 1992 I think it was, we had a power cut for 4 days and when the power eventually came back on it blew our storage heaters because of the power surge and many other people had the same problem. A lack of good contact between the bulb and holder can sometimes cause them to blow and as wigwamman says, overheating of the bulb in the holder sometimes. The warranty should still cover them though

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