Top 12 Best Outlet Timer For Grow Lights Of 2024
Brandon Forder May 8, 2024 8:20 PM
Without a timer, it is impossible to grow marijuana successfully
No matter how many plants you have, relying solely on your memory of when to turn the grow light on and off each day is simply not an option.
There's always the possibility that something unexpected comes up and you won't be able to turn the lights on or off.
Make sure you have a clock.
Fortunately, even high-quality products are rather inexpensive.
Here are reviews of the best grow light timers currently available. All of our best picks will be listed in a table.
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![Fosmon Indoor 24 Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer [ETL Listed], Programmable Plug-in Timer with 2-Outlet for Lamp, Christmas String Lights, Grow Light, Aquarium, 3-Prong, Grounded, 2 Pack](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51-0RCLACqL._SL500_.jpg "Fosmon Indoor 24 Hour Mechanical Outlet Timer [ETL Listed], Programmable Plug-in Timer with 2-Outlet for Lamp, Christmas String Lights, Grow Light, Aquarium, 3-Prong, Grounded, 2 Pack")
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Types
Single Outlet Timers vs. Dual Outlet Timers
Single-outlet timers and dual-outlet timers have a lot in common. One light can be accommodated by a single outlet timer, while a dual outlet timer can handle two at once
Most of these timers can be used with a variety of lights and other devices like CO2 generators and fans.
Regardless of whether you're utilizing a dual-outlet timer, you still need to pay attention to the outlet's rated amperage.
For the most part, they are rated at roughly 15 amps, although this might vary greatly, so be careful to check.
In most cases, single and dual outlet timers perform the same functions. Most of the time, you'll use the same application to control both lights. As a general rule, this occurs every 24 hours.
It's simple to set up a timer for a single outlet or a pair of outlets. Titan Controls Apollo 8 has fifteen-minute "trippers" so you can set timing plans to match the specific needs of your plants. Titan Controls Apollo 8.
Digital vs. Mechanical Grow Light Timers
When it comes to programming, timers can either be digital or mechanical.
Dials or switches are commonly found on mechanical timers, sometimes known as analog timers.
The 24-hour cycle is typically broken down into 15-minute on/off options. Everything a small-scale home gardener with a few plants requires, in other words.
You only have to turn the dial to the desired hour to set them up and use them.
Even though digital timers include LCD displays and other built-in functions, most gardeners prefer them because they are easier to use.
Each day can have a distinct routine, and they're simple to set up. They're also very affordable these days, with some going for as little as $20.
Digital timers can function even when the power goes out (manual timers will need to be reset). For this reason, battery backup features allow them to remain running even when the power goes off.
Mechanical and digital timers with two or one outlets are available for purchase.
Large Multi-Zone Controllers
Additionally, growers who have a lot of space to operate in can benefit from larger multi-zone controllers. These are available in a variety of ways.
Some are designed to seem like power strips, but they can also be used to power a variety of different devices. It's possible to sync your grow lighting with CO2 equipment, fans, and anything else you wish.
A timer may not be available for all of the included outlets on some models. It is possible that just four or five of the provided plugs can be timed. In most cases, you'll also have to adhere to the same predetermined schedule across the board.
The advantage of using a controller like this is that it is more secure. Because they shut down when there are too many devices running, these strips can assist prevent overloads.
Typically, they can withstand 1000 joules or more of impact. Again, be mindful of the amperage and take care not to overtax it.
These usually have digital displays and may be configured in the same way as any other digital timers.
If you want to monitor your grow lights from afar, several of these come with Bluetooth connection.
A huge grow room and many growing champers necessitates the use of multi-zone controllers.
Functionality
Marijuana develops in stages, each requiring a certain set of environmental conditions (such as light and nutrients). If you're running a large grow room, grow light timers are a must-have.
It is important to think about the purpose of the grow light timer before purchasing one. To be sure, you can use it about turn your lights on and off, but I'm referring to something more particular.
Your grow tent or room should be partitioned into sections, with one portion for plants in the veg stage, and another for plants at the flowering stage.
The lights in each area should be programmed to follow the suggested light schedule for that development phase if you have this set up, so look for a timer that lets you do so.
This is a great opportunity to stock up on timers for your grow room because they are so inexpensive. This is what we suggest.
At the very least, you'll need a device capable of setting a program for at least a week at a time. The majority of the devices on this list can be programmed for seven days in advance.
Interface
A modest digital display and a few buttons characterize most modern grow light timers, which all have one or two outlets. In terms of interface size and clarity, they tend to differ.
A large LCD screen and properly labeled buttons are essential if you're like me and have to wear reading glasses all the time.
They all have the ability to store programs, although some have a larger selection of programs. Aside than leaving the lights on for a predetermined amount of time, there aren't many procedures that need to be implemented when cultivating cannabis.
Most people do not need to turn on and off their lights frequently, so they will not need to save too many programs.
Extra outlets can come in helpful for plugging in your humidifier, heater, or portable air conditioner to these units.
Having numerous programs might be helpful in this situation, allowing you to program fans to come on at specific times or heaters to go into standby mode while no one is in the room, ensuring that the heater element does not receive any power.
Design
It goes without saying that you want a grow light timer that is durable, well-designed, and worth the hype and work when you buy one to control the light cycles in your grow room. It's imperative that you examine the design in its entirety, no holds barred. You must take into account the product's durability, portability, and convenience of use before making a purchase. To that end, we recommend starting there as well when it comes to your own situation.
Price
A timer for grow lights isn't prohibitively expensive. They're usually less than $100, but that's still a long way off. Depending on your preferences, you may expect to pay anywhere from $30 to $50 for the most typical selections. Just make sure you compare the pricing with the other items too, when you're shopping about.
Your search for the ideal product for your needs and budget should be easier because there are so many options to choose from.
Compatibility
The remote's compatibility is the final piece of the puzzle. Make certain that the remote control you purchase is compatible with the LED grow light system you already own. If that's not the case, your entire purchase will be a waste of time and money.
Product functioning and compatibility should not necessitate a detailed dive into individual features to obtain a sense of how the products work together. Check the compatibility information on the buying page.
What are the Benefits of a Grow Light Timer?
One of the numerous benefits of using a grow light timer is that you can control how much time you spend using the grow light.
In order to control how long you use your grow light, you need have a timer on hand, as wattage consumption in a grow light is quite high.
The timer for the grow lights can also assist you figure out when to set it up automatically. You don't have to worry about forgetting to switch off your grow light when you leave the house if you have one of the automatic-turning ones.
You may program the timers to switch on the machine at specified times during the day or night using the many options offered. You won't have to bother with checking on the machine directly.
How Long Should the Lights Stay On?
The answer to this question varies greatly depending on the type of plant you're trying to cultivate. At least 16 hours of sunlight are required for vegetable seedlings to thrive. To set up the timer, you should do so within the first 16 hours of using grow lights.
Turn it off 16 hours later. Do this in the morning, shortly after sunrise. Different models can, of course, dictate the number of hours they should be used. The amount of time that your grow lights can be on each day will depend on the brand and type of the lights you use.
Seedlings of vegetables also require 8 hours of darkness every day. They will grow faster if the lights are turned off.
For other plants, you must determine how much direct sunshine they require in order to thrive. How many hours a grow light should be utilized efficiently corresponds to this
Can I grow my plants without using timers?
Yes, it is possible to produce marijuana plants without the use of timers. People use timers to guarantee that their plants get the right amount of light at the right time. There are days when you may not be at home or just be too busy at work to turn on or off your lights. With a timer, you won't have to worry about it because the entire process may be automated based on the time you set. Timer devices can be programmed to turn on artificial lights at night while allowing your plants to use the sun's rays during the day.
Where can I buy the best grow light timers?
Grow light timers can be purchased at any retailer that carries grow lights or plant-growing supplies. Many programmable timers can be found in lighting and lighting fixture stores. For this reason, many shops and retailers only carry a few dozen brands at most. We recommend checking out Amazon if you're looking for a wide variety of things. All of the products we've examined have been connected to the Amazon online store. Easy returns and discounts are two more big advantages of purchasing from Amazon.com.
You don't need to spend a lot of money on grow light timers. Having the capacity to program on/off times is all that's required; reliability is the only other consideration.
The real question is how many timers you have for grow lights and other electronic equipment. Your timer requirements will be determined by this.
Having many outlets is nice, but only if everything you plug into them is on the same timer. Timer devices that allow you to program different schedules for various outlets are available; however, these are more expensive and are not generally justified.
