This question came up awhile ago, this is what ArcadiaJohn had to say.
"One point that is starting to become clear to us is that the use of some timers can dramatically reduce the lifespan of some M.V lamps.
It would seem that mechanical timers with cheaper components do not deliver a clean, smooth current load. And can cause a dramatic spike of energy at start up. It seems that in some cases particully with those lamps that may use no so effective electronics and firing parts just can't handle the spike and it causes over wear in the arc tube.
Now this is only just starting to become clear to us!! So not proven.
I would be inclined to use a good timer maybe one with surge protection built in. It maybe worth paying a tenner for a timer that protects the lamps and saves us blowing up lamps one after the other than getting a pound shop one and potentailly reducing the lifespan of the lamps.
I hope to have more deffinate advice very soon for you all, until then I would keep the info in mind
John"
__________________
Ross 
|