Good timer for a 400 watt metal halide?

[Cory]

Is this the appropriate timer for a 400 watt metal halide?

 

[mdrieder]

400 watt halides should only need about 3.5 amps... so that should be plenty

 

[mdb_talon]

400 watt halides should only need about 3.5 amps... so that should be plenty

The concern with MH is not the standard operating amps, but rather the inrush current that has a history of frying timers as depending on the lamps and ballasts this can be several times the standard load.

 

[mdrieder]

@mdb_talon I understand that but I don't think its reasonable to think the light will pull more than 4x the amps at start up. I think several times the standard load is a bit overreaching. 2x is probably more reasonable unless there is an issue with the ballast.