Need to get a acouple of power strips with timers for my lights

[puffer32]

I saw some pretty cheap that did not have surge protecters but had cercuit breakers (I think thats what they said) I am scared of causing a fire, once had one melt and turn black on me, lucky i smelled it and unplugged it in time! What do you guys think?

 

[pontius]

you can get them for anywhere from $5 to $20 at Walmart, etc. in my experience, most of them suck and won't keep the right time for s*!t. I have the Coralife powerstrip. it is more costly than most timers, but in 8 months, it hasn't missed a beat and keeps perfect time. If I'm not mistaken, it has four outlets for 24 hour a day use (filters, powerheads, etc), then is has 2 outlets for night and 2 for day. the only problem is that if your light fixture has more than one control for different bulbs, you'll probably need two of these timers. but that's probably the case with any timer.

 

[trainfever]

You don't need a power strip with a surge protector in it. They are for use with electronic equipment like computers. What you should get is a power strip with a built in GFCI. That is a Ground Fault Circuit Interupter. It is for use around water. If any circuit gets wet, it will shut off instantaneously.

 

[bailey52]

Whatev you do make sure the power strip you buy has the UL hologram on the packaging.. make sure it doesnt look fake or cheap...Believe it or not, power strips have been made knockoffs that have not been UL certified and can catch on fire