2x250w MH running on one timer?

[Gooli]

Can I run two 250W MH bulbs on a single timer using a spliter?

They are ran with 2xARO Electronic ballasts - currently running on two separate timers - i'd like to use a splitter and run both lights on one timer? Am I asking for trouble?

PS. The timer is the standard $7 timer from OSH \ Homedepot.
http://www.intermatic.com/images/products/tn111c.jpg

thanks

[s10willy]

I only use one timer fed into a surge supressor. I then run both 250W ballasts and a cooling fan off the protector strip. No problems yet. No advice on which timer to use. Mine is similar to that one, but not an Intermatic.

[theatrus]

I believe that timer is rated for a full 15A (or 120VAC*15A=1800W). I use one to run 410W total PC lighting with a simple 1 to 3 plug splitter (also at Ace :)). No problems.

[d4a2n0k]

2 x 250's will be fine on that timer. 15 amps is the max load which your lights dont come close to. Ive been using the same lights on the same timer for almost 2 years without a hitch.

[steve the plumb]

I use 1 timer(outdoor type) on a 6 plug 15 amp surge protecter I run 3 mh bulbs and a fan no problem.I run all my equipment off 1 plug.all my plugs in basement are on 1 line.I had a problem with my 15 amp breaker so I switched to a 20 amp.My ecectrician screwed me by putting all my plugs on 1 breaker.I din't know because I didn't lokk plus I asked him to seperate certain plugs and I didn't have the time to watch him since I was working and not living in the house at the time.

[Gooli]

thanks everyone

[Entropy]

I was using both my halides and a fan on a single timer before I got my ReefKeeper. It worked fine for two years.

[Acipenser]

Steve the plumb,

You are asking for a fire, if you switched out the breaker incorrectly. Breakers are sized to the wiring that they are used with. If you switched out a 15 amp breaker to a 20 amp breaker on 14-guage wire, you could be in for problems. Especially if you were blowing the 15 amp. The 20 amp breaker will allow more current to flow through the circuit than the wire is rated for. This will cause the wire to heat up and could cause a fire. I would check your wire size on that circuit immediately!!!!

If you are not absolutely sure what you are doing, please call in an electrician. It is not worth burning down your house and possibly killing yourself and your love ones over a few dollars. Be safe!