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Safe to leave controller plugged in?


asl9622

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I have my controller box set up outside and was wondering if it is safe to leave it plugged into the electrical outlets 24/7? I do not want to start a fire or hurt the controller. Thanks.

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Leave em plugged in, most equipment of any type fails during startup or shutdown,  you should have your controller run through a GFCI as well for a little insurance...

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I suspect that it is as safe to leave the controllers plugged in as it is your microwave, TV or computer.

 

(So yes, it's okay.)

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Leave em plugged in, most equipment of any type fails during startup or shutdown,  you should have your controller run through a GFCI as well for a little insurance...

Keep in mind that GFCI is made to protect people from shock, not necessarily to keep other maladies from happening. I have experience in overloading a circuit to the breaker trip current and the GFCI did not trip.

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Keep in mind that GFCI is made to protect people from shock, not necessarily to keep other maladies from happening. I have experience in overloading a circuit to the breaker trip current and the GFCI did not trip.

Absolutely correct.

Residential GFCI receptacles and breakers are both people protectors. They trip at a 5 milliamperes fault. Equipment protector GFCI breakers trip at 30 milliamperes. They are not used residentially.

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Mine all stayed up till the end of the season. I also cover mine with black plastic bags to protect from rain, snow and ice when that happens. It also helps to hide them. Now here its cold in the winter, most of the time, so heat isn't an issue, but in a warm climate, a black bag over them would be a terrible idea due to excessive heat.

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I have 3 (16-channel commercial) controllers that have been plugged in and running for 5 years now.  They have held up very well.

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I have all mine on timers they kick on with the director every night at 6 and off at 930. Only thing I notice is that when power is activated the lights flash once then off then about three seconds later show starts

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