I wasn't too impressed with the two of mine. The mechanical timers don't seem to be built to last, and wear out quite quickly. Esp if you run them on the shortest alternation cycle.

the other problem i had with them is that i found they just weren't reliable, at least the analog versions. maybe they just wear out very early...hopefully before they burn your house down :lol:

yeah i've got two of the analog ones. When rotating the on-off switches on the center of the spinners they felt worn out after about 2 months.

I only run T5's and a 150W halide on mine, so there's never more than 200W going through a single power channel, and no more than 400W in a single bar, so that's probably why no flare ups for me.

I know after time the mechanical timers will wear out, and when that time comes, I'll try something different.

digital timers aren't above the problem either though. i went through 2 garrison digital timers in about 1 year...won't use those again either.

The one I was planning on getting is the digital type dual power bar. I don't think I want to risk burning my house down though. What are my other options? Is there a similar product from another manufacturer? Or am I stuck with powerbars and timers from Home Depot?

Thanks

I think without getting into controllers, that those are pretty much your options, coralife or home depot timer.

If you go to Canadian Tire or a similar store, they actually have a pretty good selection of timer outlets, or whatever you'd call them. Some of them are made for outdoors (like for Christmas light applications, I'm gathering) and some are for indoors. I don't know, I have to believe you can get some reliable, heavy duty, sturdy equipment if you're willing to put a little more cash into the mix! Worth a look-see, anyway.

The LFS I shop at all the time doesn't carry their power products any more, for the above mentioned reason.