Timer leaks... FYI

[clintyiu]

I was messing with my canopy (stainless steel) today and got a bit of a buzz. At first I thought it was the new MH ballast but I found the source of stray current. I got a 50v AC reading on the ground lead from the ballast and it came from the Noma light timer. Even the ballast case was energized.

Maybe I should rig a 3 pole relay to bypass the timer circuit and replace the outlet with a GFI.

Is there a better timer out there?

[reefburnaby]

Hi,

I am a bit confused, but are you using a 2 prong AC plug with your lamps ? I don't know of any particular brand that better than others, but the ones that are designed for outdoor use is a good start.

Another way out of this problem is to build a ground cable to your ballast/canopy. Basically, its an AC connector that has its live and neutral unconnected. The lone ground pin is connected to your ballast, canopy and other exposed metal surfaces. You can use 18 to 14 guage cable for this application.

Another alternative (especially if you lots of timers) is X10 automation with the 3 prong socket.

Hope that helps.

- Victor.