Maxibright Quad Timer - 4 x 600w - Heavy-Duty Timer for Multiple Grow Lights
Best for: Growers running multiple 600w lights (or a single 1000w light) who need a timer rated to handle the load directly, without a separate contactor.
Our thoughts
A lot of cheap timers aren't actually rated for the inductive load a grow light ballast throws at switch-on, and they fail early because of it. This one's built to handle a proper 13 amp inductive load, which means it can switch your lights directly without needing a contactor or relay in between. Simple, and built for the job it's actually doing.
The Maxibright Quad Timer is a heavy-duty mains timer built specifically for grow room lighting, rated to handle a full 13 amp inductive load. That rating matters because grow light ballasts and LED drivers draw a surge of current at switch-on that a standard household timer isn't built to withstand repeatedly - this one is. It can switch up to 4 x 600w grow lights or 2 x 1000w grow lights directly, with no need for a separate contactor or relay.
To use it, simply plug the Quad Timer into a wall socket, plug a multi-socket extension (sold separately) into the front of the timer, and plug your lights into the multi-socket. On/off times over a 24-hour period are set in 15-minute increments, and it's equally suited to controlling pumps, fan speed controllers and CFLs, not just lights. It's manufactured to BS 1363 standards.
How it compares
Purpose-built grow-room timers like this sit above generic household timers in both load rating and reliability under repeated switching.
- Standard household plug timers are typically rated well below 13 amps for inductive loads, and tend to fail or weld their contacts shut when used directly on grow light ballasts over time.
- Compared with running a cheaper timer alongside a separate contactor/relay, the Quad Timer removes a component and a point of failure by handling the full load itself.
- Against digital programmable timers from brands like Defender or Theben, this analogue-style 15-minute segment timer is simpler to set and less prone to losing its programme in a power cut.
It's a straightforward bit of kit, but rated properly for what a grow room actually throws at it - which is the part cheaper alternatives often get wrong.
Usage guidance
Setup is simple, but wiring it correctly matters for safety and reliability.
Basic setup
Plug the Quad Timer into your wall socket, connect a separately-available multi-socket extension to the front of the unit, then plug your lights or other equipment into that multi-socket.
Setting your photoperiod
Push in or pull out the segments around the 24-hour dial to set your on/off times in 15-minute increments, matching your chosen light cycle.
Load limits
Keep total connected load within 4 x 600w or 2 x 1000w grow lights - don't exceed the 13 amp rating by adding further equipment beyond what it's designed for.
Technical specifications
- Load rating: 13 amp inductive load
- Switching capacity: 4 x 600w or 2 x 1000w grow lights
- Timing: on/off settable in 15-minute increments over 24 hours
- No separate contactor/relay required
- Compatible with: grow lights, pumps, fan controllers, CFLs
- Standard: manufactured to BS 1363
- Multi-socket extension: sold separately
- Price: £15.99
Who this is for
- Growers running multiple 600w lights, or a single 1000w light, on one timer
- Anyone currently using an underrated household timer that keeps failing
- Growers who want to avoid the extra cost and complexity of a separate contactor
- Those also needing to time-control pumps, fans or CFLs alongside lighting
Best suited to multi-light grow rooms rather than a single small tent, where the Standard 24Hr timer will do the job for less.
Our take
This is a properly-rated timer doing a job that a lot of cheaper timers get wrong - handling grow light ballast loads directly without frying itself. Straightforward and built for the purpose.
If you're running multiple 600w lights or a 1000w setup, this is worth having. Does exactly what it should, day in, day out.
