GREEN POWER PRO 8 CONTACTOR

Description

Green Power Pro 8 Contactor is a professional-grade electrical contactor unit that allows you to safely switch high-wattage grow lighting systems and electrical equipment on and off via a timer or environmental controller without the fire and electrical safety risks associated with plug-in timers that are not rated for inductive loads. We have been recommending contactors for high-power grow room electrical installations to UK growers since 2017 as a non-negotiable safety component for anyone running multiple 600W HPS or high-wattage LED fixtures from a single circuit.

Why a Contactor Is Essential for High-Wattage Grow Room Installations

Standard 13-amp UK plug sockets and consumer-grade plug-in timers are not designed to switch inductive loads — the type of load created by magnetic ballasts and transformers in HPS and CMH lighting systems. When a magnetic ballast is switched on, it draws an inrush current several times higher than its running current for a fraction of a second. Multiply this by 4, 6, or 8 ballasts switched simultaneously, and the switching current exceeds the safe rating of standard timers by a significant margin. This causes arcing inside the timer contacts, which leads to premature failure, heat build-up, and in severe cases, fire. A contactor uses robust industrial-rated contacts designed to handle these inrush currents safely, switching the heavy current load while a low-current timer or controller signal operates the contactor’s control coil — the only component the timer needs to switch. The Green Power Pro 8 is rated for eight lights, covering the full capacity of a professionally wired grow room circuit.

How to Install and Use the Green Power Pro 8 Contactor

The Green Power Pro 8 should be installed by a qualified electrician as part of a dedicated grow room electrical installation wired to the mains consumer unit. The contactor is wired in-line on the lighting circuit, with the control signal from your grow timer connected to the contactor coil terminals. When the timer switches, it energises the coil, closing the heavy-duty contacts that switch the full lighting load. Never install a contactor without appropriate circuit protection — a correctly rated MCB must protect the lighting circuit upstream of the contactor. Always consult a qualified electrician if you are unsure about any aspect of the installation.

Pair the Green Power Pro 8 Contactor with a quality digital timer, Gavita Master Controller, or environmental controller for safe, automated control of your full lighting system. Browse our full range of electrical accessories and environmental control equipment.

Browse the full range: Explore our complete New Products range at The Horticulture Company. Also in this range: IONIC CALMAG PRO, UGRO XL BASIC 70LITRE, EXHALE CO2 BAG, PLANT !T YOYO (PACK OF 8).