electrical question

[cbuts05]

hi there, wondering if its possible for me to run 3 400W t5 8 bulb fixtures from 1 15A outlet? i ran 1 from the box so nothing else is on it.


thanks

 

[az2000]

15 amps at 120v is 1800w. But, you usually go 20% lower for continuous loads like that. 1400w.

 

[cbuts05]

15 amps at 120v is 1800w. But, you usually go 20% lower for continuous loads like that. 1400w.

okay so 400w x 3 is 1200w , if i dont run anything else on it i should be fine correct??

also is it fine to use a splitter\extension cords to fit the timers?

thanks!

 

[az2000]

also is it fine to use a splitter\extension cords to fit the timers?

If you mean run all 3 fixtures to one timer. If the timer is rated for 15amp, and the extension cords (splitters) are rated appropriately, it should be ok.

But, you mentioned timers (plural). So, I'm not sure what you mean. (I use one timer, run a heavy extension into the tent, and glom onto that as necessary.).

 

[Alienwidow]

Id figure each t5 is pulling 4 amps so 3 would pull 12 of 15 availible. I would say your at max capacity. Most companies dont reccomended running running at 80% of what your breaker is.

 

[Alienwidow]

I checked and most are only 3.6 amps, so youd only be at 72% of capacity, i think most companies reccomend 75%. So you should be ok. Id run a surge protector in front of it so you dont nuke the ballasts just in case.

 

[cbuts05]

If you mean run all 3 fixtures to one timer. If the timer is rated for 15amp, and the extension cords (splitters) are rated appropriately, it should be ok.

But, you mentioned timers (plural). So, I'm not sure what you mean. (I use one timer, run a heavy extension into the tent, and glom onto that as necessary.).

great so would i be fine running something like this plugged into a timer? (from dollarstore) i think its rated 1800W

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/m1_ltHPCnweYWEqlLqqdY4g.jpg

 

[Corso312]

okay so 400w x 3 is 1200w , if i dont run anything else on it i should be fine correct??

also is it fine to use a splitter\extension cords to fit the timers?

thanks!

Stay away from dollar store..get heavy duty from home depot or menards


You be better off with a heavy duty power strip to handle all 3 lights and plug that strip into a heavy duty timer.

 

[cbuts05]

Stay away from dollar store..get heavy duty from home depot or menards


You be better off with a heavy duty power strip to handle all 3 lights and plug that strip into a heavy duty timer.

okay ill do that thanks lol

 

[az2000]

I use those. But, I don't run 1200w through them. (I power lots of 10w lightbulbs.). If it's rated for 15amps or more, it should be good. Harbor Freight has some inexpensive heavy-gauge extension cords with 3 outlets. This 10g 25' would work for you. I use it with a 20amp mig welder.

 

[cbuts05]

so i will buy something like this.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.6-outlet-power-strip-6-outlets-3-feet-cord.1000752715.html

 

[Corso312]

Yes sir!

 

[az2000]

so i will buy something like this.

https://www.homedepot.ca/en/home/p.6-outlet-power-strip-6-outlets-3-feet-cord.1000752715.html

For $4 more you could get a surge protector as @Alienwidow recommended. I don't know if it's important, but:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-6-Outlet-Surge-Protector-with-6-ft-Cord-White-YLPT-43-6FT/205607072

 

[cbuts05]

thanks guys!

on my 3rd grow..

finally getting a seperate veg area setup

 

[Alienwidow]

For $4 more you could get a surge protector as @Alienwidow recommended. I don't know if it's important, but:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Defiant-6-Outlet-Surge-Protector-with-6-ft-Cord-White-YLPT-43-6FT/205607072

Ha, well i just lost all the ballasts on two 8 bulb setups that were daisy chained together. I dont know what caused it but if i would have been running one and it could have saved me the 400 bucks for new ones.....well. Ya.