running 4 600s and im converting from 120 to 240 for lights, ballasts, and light controller. im looking for best solution of how to run the wiring. ive seen a lot of ppl mention running wire to the dryer hookup but i dont have direct access to that outlet. havent purchased the ballast or controller so im open to all ideas.
need 240v conversion ideas
- Thread starter ag843
- Start date
707humboldt
Well-Known Member
How close is your panel? Your only option really is to buy a 240v controller and wire it directly to the panel if you don't have and 240v outlets or wiring near by.
the panel is pretty close. easy access. only option?
707humboldt
Well-Known Member
Yea the only way is to wire it straight to the panel.
707humboldt
Well-Known Member
A 110v outlet most likely doesnt have the appropriate wire size. Also on 220v code calls for 4 wires, 2 hots 1 neutral and a ground. A 110v outlet only had 3. It can be done if you changed the breaker to a double pull and the wire size was ok but I do not advise it.
707humboldt
Well-Known Member
How many amps is the outlet rated for? How many outlets are on the 30 amp breaker? All your lights should be on a dedicated circuit
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
240 only requires 3 wires. 2 hot and one ground. If a neutral wire is incorporated in the circuit it it used in 120 outlets on the circuit.
Alexander Supertramp
Well-Known Member
Grow lights are long, continuous loads, 12-18 hours or more a day. I recommend running such circuits at 75% of the rated load of the breaker to be on the safe side. Plus start up amps of the ballast can exceed the rated draw of the ballast. So 4 lights time 5.7amps=22.8 amps continuous load. 75% of 30 is 22,5. You are are right on the edge. Stagger light start times 5 minutes or so each and you should be ok.
707humboldt
Well-Known Member
Yes very true 3 wires are only needed to run 220v, but code says it needs to be wire up with 4.