Omega Metal Contactors - Safely Switch 12 or 16 Grow Lights From One Box
Best for: growers running multiple HID, CDM or high-wattage LED lights who need to switch them all safely from one central point without overloading a standard socket or timer.
Our thoughts
Running several high-powered lights off a domestic timer is asking for trouble - either the timer fails or you're tripping the fuse box. A proper contactor board takes that load off the timer entirely and switches it safely instead, which is exactly what these are built for. Straightforward, sensible safety kit.
The Omega Metal Contactors are heavy-duty switching boards designed to safely control multiple HID, CDM or high-wattage LED grow lights from a single unit, available in 12-way and 16-way versions. Rather than running high current loads directly through a timer (which most household timers aren't rated for), the contactor takes the switching load itself, triggered by a low-current signal from your timer - protecting both the timer and your fuse box from the power surge of multiple lights switching on at once.
The 12-way model is built with an integrated timer, a 40 amp contactor, and two 24-hour constant double sockets, alongside two auxiliary sockets for running fans or heaters independently of the main lighting circuit. The 16-way version follows the same heavy-duty design principle, rated to handle a higher number of lights safely. Both are built by growers, for growers, specifically to handle the demands of running several 600W or 1000W lights on one circuit without power surge issues.
How it compares
Contactor boards are the standard safe way to switch multiple high-wattage lights, sitting above wiring your own relay setup or running lights through a basic timer.
- Against a standard plug-in timer, a contactor board removes the risk of the timer itself failing under the switching load of several 600W-1000W lights
- Compared to building a DIY relay setup from individual components, this comes pre-wired, tested and ready to use, without the electrical know-how a DIY build requires
- Against Omega's own MDF Contactor boards, these metal-cased units offer a more compact, wall-mountable form factor for the same core switching function
If you're running enough lights that a standard timer is a genuine fire or failure risk, a contactor board like this is the sensible upgrade.
Usage guidance
Choosing 12-way vs 16-way
Pick the 16-way if you're running or planning to run more than 12 lights from one point; the 12-way covers most single or double-tent setups comfortably.
Wiring
Connect your timer to the low-current trigger side of the contactor, and wire your lights into the main switched sockets - always have this installed by someone competent with electrical work if you're not confident doing it yourself.
Using the auxiliary sockets
Run fans or heaters off the two auxiliary sockets so they stay on a separate, constant supply independent of your lighting schedule.
Technical specifications
- Options: 12-way or 16-way switching
- 12-way contactor rating: 40 amp
- Timer: Integrated 24-hour timer
- Constant sockets: 2x 24-hour double sockets
- Auxiliary sockets: 2x, for fans/heaters
- Compatible loads: HID, CDM and high-wattage LED grow lights
- Housing: Metal case
Who this is for
- Growers running 6 or more 600W/1000W lights who need safe centralised switching
- Commercial or multi-room setups outgrowing standard plug-in timers
- Anyone who wants a tested, pre-built switching solution rather than a DIY relay setup
Best suited to serious multi-light setups rather than a single-tent grow.
Our take
This is exactly the kind of unglamorous but essential kit that keeps a multi-light setup running safely - a proper 40A contactor and integrated timer doing a job a domestic timer was never built for. The auxiliary sockets are a genuinely useful extra for keeping fans running independently.
Does exactly what it should, day in, day out - worth having if your light count has outgrown a standard timer.
