Electricians---24 Light Timer Question

[somoz]

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[Tactician]

16 x 1000W ballasts is about max 75A to 80A, so a 100A 240V breaker is sufficient.

 

[somoz]

Thanks Tactic, I know the load amount for the 16K but I guess I'm just more interested in the actual MLC timer box unit and how it would handle being wired up with less than it's 'recommended' #1 wire. I'm wondering how the timer will redistribute the power and how it will effect it.....

 

[RedRain]

if you are running a smaller breaker and smaller guage wire, its now up to you to make sure you do not go over the amperage. Your board and timer will work fine on 100amps, instead of 120amps unless you exceed 80 amps. You can only safely use 80% of the rated amperage of your breaker. So yes you will be fine, as long as u run under 80 amps. Your timer will work just like it normally does. Having a larger breaker and larger wire is just to handle the full capacity of the box.

I would do it right the first time to save money wasted on 100amp breakers and 4 guage wire. Why not spend the extra cash so u can run it at full capacity when u need to?

 

[Squire5683]

Im with Red Rain... Its OK to downsize.... But youre talking a mere $50 difference on a 50 foot run of wire, and a 80amp breaker and a 125a breaker are about the same. Why not just hop up to the big time, and plan for the future, unless youre limited o space. If limited on space and funds, then no problem... Do the math and downsize wire and breakers to fit. The switchgear is rated for its maximum... You can switch one 200w ballast with it of you want. Just dont over amperage your switchgear. You can always underamperage your gear. It wont draw more power. Its just a switch that can handle a lot of amps/power

 

[Marshall]

Thanks Tactic, I know the load amount for the 16K but I guess I'm just more interested in the actual MLC timer box unit and how it would handle being wired up with less than it's 'recommended' #1 wire. I'm wondering how the timer will redistribute the power and how it will effect it.....

like others have said, you will be fine. You could run 20 amps and switch 2 lights w/o issue. the key is to make sure the box has enough power to feed what you are running. Do not worry about how it is going to distribute it, its not like power is going to be wasted on unused outlets