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    BrendaPate's Avatar
    BrendaPate Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Sep 11, 2011, 06:37 PM
    Correct amps for a timer
    Can a metal halide light that has to have a 20 amp circute to run on start up with a 15 apm timer
    lilpoppa's Avatar
    lilpoppa Posts: 118, Reputation: 13
    Junior Member
    		  
    #2

    Sep 11, 2011, 06:43 PM
    It will start and run on your timer, but I can in no way suggest you do that. Your timer will be overloaded and be a fire hazzard. I strongly advise you get a timer with the proper amperage rating.
    ballengerb1's Avatar
    ballengerb1 Posts: 27,378, Reputation: 2280
    Home Repair & Remodeling Expert
    		  
    #3

    Sep 11, 2011, 06:43 PM
    If you mean the timer is only rated for 15 amps then the answer is no.
    donf's Avatar
    donf Posts: 5,679, Reputation: 582
    Printers & Electronics Expert
    		  
    #4

    Sep 11, 2011, 06:45 PM
    It would depend on what the "inrush" current would be.

    Also, if the light truly requires a 20 amp circuit, then you need to remove the 15 amp timer because it may burn up on 20 amps.

    Normally, I would expect that the 20 amp circuit requirement is because there is an inrush current greater than 15 amps when the lamp is turned on. After the start-up, the current drops off.
    jerro's Avatar
    jerro Posts: 172, Reputation: 5
    Junior Member
    		  
    #5

    Sep 12, 2011, 08:20 PM
    What is the wattage of your metal halide light? A 400 watt metal halide light powered at 120volts only pulls 4 amps.
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