Electrical Question

[Baglady]

I have three 400w metals halides (110 volt) wired together on a 20amp circuit all to theirselves. I am using one of those timers from home depot that cost about $40.00. If I have to add another 400 w light, it would need to be on a different circuit than the other three. My question is: could the 4th light be wired into the same timer or will I have to get a second one? It's not like I can just call an electrician. I can do a little home wiring but I'm no expert. b

 

[VictorVIcious]

I have three 400w metals halides (110 volt) wired together on a 20amp circuit all to theirselves. I am using one of those timers from home depot that cost about $40.00. If I have to add another 400 w light, it would need to be on a different circuit than the other three. My question is: could the 4th light be wired into the same timer or will I have to get a second one? It's not like I can just call an electrician. I can do a little home wiring but I'm no expert. b

You have the right idea, 4 -400 watt hid lights would be really pushing it especially if your tried to have them all witht the same start-up time on one circuit. Wiring a new circuit is as easy as 1, 2, 3, black, white, green. I recommend Wiring Simplefied, I have one of those rare 40th editions, just saw them at one of the big box stores for $5.95. I used the information n that book to install new 200 amp service and wire my area.
There are a couple of thread in this forum that electricians have started were you can ask more specific questions. DO you have any free space in your main breaker box? VV

 

[Baglady]

I'm using a large bedroom in a mobile home. The breaker box is located in the bedroom and I do have room to add another breaker. I got to thinking after I asked this question last night. I'm sure I would be better off to put in a 15 amp breaker and add another light and timer on it. I'm thinking I'm going to need another light because I've got 4 plants that are 4 weeks into flowering, 12 of their clones that have been vegging for a month. I germinated 10 blueberries from Joey Weed, and all 10 of them are females. I figured I might get four females and that is what I was setting my room up for. Thanks for your response

 

[jayrollinhippy]

how to determine load on a circut. this is done using ohms law voltsxamps=watts this will give you the max watts a circuit can handle to be on the safe side use 85% of the max watts.what this means a 110 circuit at 20 amps will handle 2200 watts .max. a 400 watt light will actually consume about 450 watts so add up all your ballast + fans pumps ect. to find your load. keep it at 85% of the 2200 watt max. and you should be ok.

 

[VictorVIcious]

I would recommend using that same 20 amp breaker. It does need 12 wire instead of 14 wire and heavier duty receptacles. Difference of maybe $5.00 to $10.00. VV