* If you click a link on this page and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Grow Light Timer

Last Updated: April 22, 2024
Roy Stevens
Product Review by Roy Stevens

Cannabis cultivation is a difficult skill to master. It requires patience, dedication, but most importantly, knowledge. Every crop is different, as is the growing techniques employed by growers worldwide. But, there’s one thing that is essential for a successful and bountiful cannabis crop; Light

This is where a grow light timer will come in handy. By using a grow light timer in your grow room setup, this will automatically tell your grow lights when to switch off.

The great thing about growing indoors, is that every aspect of your grow room can be monitored, from the humidity levels to the nutrients you choose to use. This ability to control every bit of your grow room environment is of vital importance, this is especially true with the timings of your grow lights.

A grow light timer will complete the task relatively easy, and keep you safe in the knowledge that your crop is receiving the right amount of light.

Our Reviews
1

IPOWER Timer

We’re changing tact on our next grow light timer with this, the IPOWER 24 Hour Plug-in Mechanical Electric Outlet Timer.

Rather than your digital display and design, the IPOWER grow light timer comes in your mechanical clock face design with dials to the front.

3 pronged, this grow light timer is literally plug and play right out of the box.

UL listed with a 1-year warranty, the IPOWER timer is priced excellently and comes in 6 different packages.

  • 1-pack
  • 2-pack
  • 3-pack
  • 5-pack
  • 10-pack
  • 20-pack

All, well priced for those growers on a tight budget.

Easy to use and with a simple setup, the IPOWER grow light timer offers the cannabis grower another viable option in the grow light timer market.

Pros

  • 96 on/off programs
  • 24hr settings
  • Excellent price
  • Grounded 3 prong design
  • 15 minute on/off

Cons

  • Short product life in some units
  • Faulty timer in some defective units
  • Some units lose time
2

BN-LINK Timer

Last of the 5 grow light timers on our list today, is this 2-1 digital timer and power outlet from BN-LINK (Century).

This is the most expensive timer we’ve featured and could be thought of as a premium grow light timer in that respect.

Design and build wise though, it is just above your average for a mechanical grow light timer, and like many timers will be manufactured in China.

What makes it stand out above the crowd is the 4 always-on power outlets that are integrated into the design.

This 2-1 feature is something I’m surprised more manufacturers have not decided to implement into their designs, as it really is a very useful feature.

ETL listed and with a 3FT power cord, as well as being wall mountable. The BN-LINK  Timer is another fantastic option for anyone on a budget.

Pros

  • 4 timer controlled outlets
  • 4 always on outlets
  • Surge protected
  • Override switch
  • ETL listed

Cons

  • Rattling/vibration noise in some units after prolonged use
  • Some defective units straight out of the box
  • Price could be better
3

BN-LINK Digital Timer

Here we have a digital grow timer by BN-LINK (Century) As you can probably tell, this timer is of a very similar design and spec to both the VIVOSUN and Urban Farmer before it.

Made from heavy-duty plastic, with 7 small buttons, plus display to the front. Similarly priced, the BN-LINK Digital Timer comes in a clock design with two 3 pronged sockets on either side.

UL listed and with a rating of 115V, 60Hz, 15A, 1725W. The BN-LINK grow timer is another budget option for many growers out there.

Pros

  • Very popular digital timer
  • Well priced
  • 7 day programmable
  • Heavy duty plastic design
  • ETL listed

Cons

  • Short product life
  • Can become faulty
  • Fairly big for a digital grow timer
4

VIVOSUN Digital Timer

Next, we have a digital timer by VIVOSUN. Priced very competitively the VIVOSUN digital timer comes in a plastic rugged camera design, with 7 buttons to the front as well as a small but readable display.

This grow light timer comes with an integrated battery backup, meaning you need not worry about losing your saved settings in times of power outages.

UL listed, with two 3 pronged grounded sockets ready for use in North America and consistently rated 4 stars and above, you know you’re in safe hands with this digital timer from VIVOSUN.

Pros

  • 7 day programmable
  • Extra fortified plastic
  • Well known brand
  • Great price
  • UL listed

Cons

  • Short product life with some models
  • Instructions not very clear
  • Only 8 on/off switches

What are Grow Light Timers?

A grow light timer is a device that controls the amount of light plants receive in a grow room or grow tent. It allows growers to set a specific time for the grow lights to turn on and off automatically. Grow light timers can be digital or mechanical, and the settings can also be customized to match the specific needs of each grower.

How do Grow Light Timers Work?

Grow light timers work by turning on and off the lights at pre-determined intervals. When it is time for the lights to turn on, the timer supplies power to the grow light. When it is time for the lights to turn off, the timer cuts off power to the lights. This action can also be timed and set to different intervals, depending on the needs of the plants being grown.

Digital Grow Light Timers versus Mechanical Grow Light Timers

Digital grow light timers are a more advanced version of the mechanical grow light timer. Digital timers are usually more precise in terms of setting a specific time for the lights to turn on and off. They also offer more flexibility compared to mechanical timers. For instance, a digital timer can be programmed to turn on and off the lights at any time or for specific intervals of time, such as 15 or 30 minutes interval.

On the other hand, mechanical timers have the advantage of being cheaper and easier to set up. A mechanical timer is a plug-and-play device that only requires plugging the grow light into the timer and setting up a simple dial to control the on and off cycles.

Benefits of Using Grow Light Timers for Growing Cannabis

1. Improved yields: Cannabis plants require a certain amount of light to grow healthy and produce high yields. With a grow light timer, growers can provide the plants with the exact amount of light they need. This ensures that the plants receive optimal light exposure, which in turn leads to improved yields.

2. Energy saving: Grow light timers allow growers to control the amount of electricity used in the grow setup. Setting up a grow light timer reduces the risk of leaving the lights on for too long and wasting power. This means that growers can save money on their energy bills while creating a safer environment for the plants.

3. Automated control: Grow light timers offer automated control over the lighting system. This is especially useful for growers who are busy and may not have time to monitor the plants throughout the day. With a grow light timer, growers can set the lighting cycle to match the specific requirements of the plants being grown.

4. Simulates a natural light cycle: Using a grow light timer allows growers to mimic the natural light cycle. This is especially important during the flowering stage, which requires a specific light cycle to trigger the plant to grow buds. A grow light timer ensures that the plants receive the right amount of light exposure and creates an environment that mimics a natural light cycle.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Grow Light Timer

1. Capacity: The capacity of the grow light timer is one of the most important factors to consider. Growers should consider the number of grow lights they intend to use and ensure that the grow light timer can accommodate the required number of lights.

2. Type of grow light: The type of grow light being used is also important when choosing a grow light timer. Some grow light timers are more suited to specific grow lights. Growers should ensure that the timer they choose is compatible with the grow light they are using.

3. Ease of use: Grow light timers can be either digital or mechanical. Digital timers may be more complex, and some growers may find them challenging to use. Mechanical timers, on the other hand, are more straightforward and easier to use.

4. Price: Grow light timers come in different price ranges. Growers should consider their budget and choose a timer that offers the features they require within their price range.

Recap

One of the essential tools in any cannabis cultivation setup is the grow light timer. A grow light timer can help improve yields, save energy, and provide the perfect amount of light for your plants. They ensure that the plants receive optimal light exposure, which leads to improved yields and energy saving. Choosing the right grow light timer is essential for a successful grow setup. With a grow light timer, growers can enjoy a smooth and efficient cannabis cultivation process.

Share the Love

If you found this post useful, please let others know about it by sharing it.