I know nothing about electricity except how to change a light bulb. However, from reading the description, it seems that your choices are a timer or an on/off switch. I’d call customer service and ask for guidance.

Thanks, bbstx. I'll try customer service.

How much do I love Lee Valley? Let me count the ways. I phoned our local store and got a real person to talk to. Someone incredibly knowledgeable not only about the lights, but also about plants and, without my asking, checked their stock, found they only had a few and put one away for me.

Let’s hear it for the customer service folks who (a) know their business and (b) go the extra mile for their customers!!! @daisychain Zn3b, which are you getting?

I went with the timer version of the tape light kit because it's for my DD's room and she isn't likely to remember to switch it off. I've never grown under lights before and the customer service woman said they also need at least 8 hours of dark.

It seems a bit expensive, but once I see what's involved, I can likely buy the components cheaper if she (or I) want to do more shelves. I'm also justifying the cost by classifying it as a decor item and grocery item (she's going to grow herbs) in addition to a hobby item. See how well the GW enablers have taught me over the years. :-)