Power centers with digital timers

[jpmorley]

For anyone still reviewing this thread, I was really happy to see it after having to put up with one of those useless Coaralife light timers. I made a bit more complex one as follows: Bought an 8"x8"x4" waterproof box from an electrical supply store (Home Depot carries the boxes but I couldn't find the right size). I wanted to put 3 timers and 5 outlets in the box. Its a tight squeeze, requiring the tabs (ears) to be cut off the timers and outlets. I also had to cut off some of the cover plate holes and use the mounting holes with nuts to secure the components. I didn't use a cover plate like Perpetual Products since I needed to remove those holes. Instead, I cut rectangular holes in the box cover for each component. To do this I used a rotary saw and a makeshift guide from a strip of wood and some clamps. Mine doesn't look quite as good as PP's but it is clean. I wired the top row so that one timer controlls two duplex outlets (I need two sockets for my two metal halides and one for a fan, leaving me one in reserve on that timer). The fourth slot on the top row is always on and I plug mu pump power strip into it. On the bottom row, I put two more timers, each controlling one duplex outlet. For the 1st timer I put my actinics on one socket and my fuge light on the other. For the 2nd timer, I put my moonlights on the two sockets. I sed all 12 guage wire because I am running a lot of power through this box, though in retrospect 14 guage between timers and duplex outlets would have been fine since no timer has more than a few amps on it. I do think the 12 guage power cord is important. My cost of components and materials was around $150 so it ain't cheap. If you want one like this, send your description to PP. I don't want to get into this business but hope others will find this helpful.)

[Matt Rogers]

Sounds really heavy duty jp. Nice work. I'd love to see a pic. Upload one if you have the chance.