Control Units and Automation

Here you will find everything you need for the right timing. To ensure plants have the right regime and ideal light conditions, use distribution boards and switches that will simplify the growing process and make your work easier. Automation ensures that the little plants receive exactly the dose of light, water and even CO2 or fertiliser they need.

In addition to other well-known and proven brands such as EMOS, GSE and Hutermann we also have in stock equipment of purely Czech origin.

• Distribution boards

Distribution boards are, of course, used to distribute electrical power and switch appliances on and off. In a growing environment, we mainly use them to switch lighting; they can easily handle 12 600W discharge lamps. Distribution boards from Malapa also have no problem with higher loads, and for some of them you can buy additional distribution boards. On some models it is also possible to set automatic switching of an additional socket for heating (the "night" socket, which switches on when the others are off). Some distribution boards from Czech Malapa have both a "night" socket and a socket that is permanently live.

The distribution board can be installed directly on a surface or on a wall.

• Timers

Our range also includes timers for controlling lighting. For a discharge lamp, get a timer with increased inductive load capacity; we recommend LUMii 24. However, most timers are suitable for lower loads - and not just lights. You can choose from digital and mechanical models, which can be set with different precision from 30 minutes to 1 minute.

Simply plug the timer into a socket and you can set automatic switching of any appliance, provided it is within the permitted load.

• Control units

A control unit is a smart, sophisticated helper for indoor and outdoor growing. It is especially suitable for professional growers who need perfect control over as many aspects of the growing process as possible. With one device you can set the exact time when lights start, fans (often depending on the temperature in the growing area), when CO2 is added or a humidifier, dehumidifier, heating and other appliances are switched on.

Our range also includes speed controllers for ventilation equipment and automatic control systems that monitor pH or EC of the nutrient solution.

What is the difference between a timer and a distribution board?

Timers are plugged into a socket and switch one appliance on and off according to time within the permitted load. A distribution board can distribute power and switch several powerful appliances at once, for example even twelve 600W discharge lamps with one heating circuit.

Do I need special timers for switching a discharge lamp?

Yes. Discharge lamps have a high inductive load, so get timers with increased inductive load capacity for them, for example LUMii 24. Ordinary timers without this resistance may fail quickly when switching a discharge lamp.

What is the "night" socket on a distribution board for?

The night socket switches on only when the main circuits are off - typically for heating during the dark phase. Some Malapa distribution boards also have a socket that is permanently live.

When is a control unit worth choosing instead of timers?

A control unit is suitable when you want to control several aspects at once with one device - light, ventilation according to temperature, CO2, humidification and heating. For simple light timing, timers are sufficient.