07-03-2011, 09:28 PM | #1 |
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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
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07-03-2011, 10:43 PM | #2 |
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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.
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07-03-2011, 11:07 PM | #3 |
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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 |
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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.
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08-03-2011, 01:46 AM | #5 |
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I use a timer on my combination bulb. No trouble so far
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08-03-2011, 05:29 AM | #6 |
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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 |
08-03-2011, 10:59 AM | #7 |
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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!
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SS Last edited by SeeShell; 08-03-2011 at 11:01 AM. |
08-03-2011, 11:13 AM | #8 |
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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 |
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