Fogger Timer/Prop Timer Hack

Diabolik · #1 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 06:19 PM

Ok, since a couple of people had asked, here is my quick and dirty fog timer hack that I used for my grave grabber.

It's really pretty easy, but I'd like to preface it with a couple of notes....

1) These units are all 110 volt. If you are not comfortable with wiring high voltage, please be careful I don't want anyone becoming a part of their display because of me.

2) This fogger timer was made by Forum. It did not work in any of my big box store 400 watt foggers. I did not compare it to any of my other timers, by I am very suspect it doesn't work only because of a difference in the placement of the pins in the timer's plug. I cannot guarantee this will work for all, but I am sure any other brand will be very similar in nature.

3) This particular unit is switching the NEUTRAL side of the outlet, not the line side. After metering everything out I first test wired it with a single socket C7 just to be safe. I ran this for a couple of hours and neither the wiper motor or the timer became warm. I have to believe these timers are good for at least 400 watts. I have others I have used on a 700 watt fogger with no issues. I figure a wiper motor and or a spot will be safe.

Here is the timer I used.

Here is a picture of the back of the board. Figured this might help if your timer is close to this one.

Here is the wiring configuration between your line in, timer, and a standard duplex receptacle.

Basically I just used the wire that came with the timer. I cut off the plug end and made my splices inside the outlet box. Very simple.

If anybody has any questions, let me know and I'll be glad to help out any way I can.

Terra · #2 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 07:36 PM

So I spice the black wire from the plug on the wall to the receptacle and the fog timer?

Diabolik · #3 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terra

So I spice the black wire from the plug on the wall to the receptacle and the fog timer?

yep. in fact, you can attach one wire to each screw on that side of the receptacle since the 2 screws are common. Then you just put the green wire on the other side of the outlet.

Then just splice the white wire from your power source to the white wire from the timer.

Terra · #4 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 07:41 PM

Well cool beans then. I think I've got this. Thanks so much

Diabolik · #5 (**permalink**) 08-17-2009, 07:52 PM

[QUOTE=Terra;705677]Well cool beans then. I think I've got this. Thanks for this so much

[/QUOTE

You are welcome.

let me know if you get a chance to try it out. I would suggest you use a 3 prong cord for your power source so you can properly ground your outlet.

UnOrthodOx · #6 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 06:15 AM

Time to find some cheap timers, I think.

Dark lord · #7 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 07:42 AM

Thanx for the drawing, easy to figure with my Fitco timers. Bought a few of them extra after halloween at Orchard supply for $10 ea.

MildAvaholic · #8 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 08:05 AM

Can you set both the interval and duration with this set-up?

Diabolik · #9 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MildAvaholic

Can you set both the interval and duration with this set-up?

Yes. It really does work well. The shortest interval/duration is probably < 5 seconds. I have not tested them turned all the way up to see how long in between or how long it will run. If I have time, I'll test it this week while I am in there working.

Diabolik · #10 (**permalink**) 08-18-2009, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dark lord

Thanx for the drawing, easy to figure with my Fitco timers. Bought a few of them extra after halloween at Orchard supply for $10 ea.

I have some other timers (the wal mart ones) that do work on all of my foggers. If I am in the attic, maybe I'll dig one out to compare it to see if they are basically the same and if they are also switching the neutral with the relay.

I am guessing that they are going to be made VERY similar internally.