Hardwiring C.A.P. MLC-4XT to 240 20 amp breaker

[Feijao]

I was wondering if it would be safe for me to hardwire this controller "C.A.P. 4 Light Master Light Controller w/ Timer - MLC-4XT" to a 240 volt 20 amp breaker? I will only be running 2 1000 watt ballasts at 240 on it.

Thanks,

 

[BYLROY]

It should be safe. I imagine with would be akin to installing a 20 amp receptacle on a 15 amp circuit.

 

[Feijao]

Well the thing is that there is already a 240 20amp receptacle for a window air conditioner installed in the room where I would wire the controller. So I was thinking of taking it out and wiring the controller since I can only use a max of 2000 in that space anyways.

Let me know what you think and thanks for your help,

 

[greenthumbdub]

I was wondering if it would be safe for me to hardwire this controller "C.A.P. 4 Light Master Light Controller w/ Timer - MLC-4XT" to a 240 volt 20 amp breaker? I will only be running 2 1000 watt ballasts at 240 on it.

Thanks,

I have mine on a 30a breaker but I emailed cap one time about using a 20a breaker with 2 1k's and 2 600's (3200w) and they told me that the device would work with the lower amp breaker but that they would recommend just throwing a 30a on it to be on the safe side

pretty sure that 3200w digital ballasts and 240v was just under 16a which "should" have given me enough leeway to not trip the breaker, so i would say that you are good but if possible go ahead and just put the 30a breaker in it wont pull anymore power than the 20a

 

[BYLROY]

I'm not an electrician but I'm pretty sure you shouldn't ever upsize your breaker to accomadate your devices when the wiring isn't up to spec. Just run it as is with the 20 amp breaker. The breaker size should always match the wiring, not the devices you're using.

 

[greenthumbdub]

BLYROY im not electrician either but i'm pretty sure we are saying the same thing...

you just dont want to OVERSIZE your breaker. if it calls for 30a and your MLC uses a 30a relay then you don't want to use 40a

but since 2k lights on 240v would be fine on a 20a, the MLC will work just fine with the smaller sized breaker

 

[BYLROY]

OK I must not have been reading it right. It sounded to me like you were suggesting that he put in a 30a breaker.

 

[greenthumbdub]

OK I must not have been reading it right. It sounded to me like you were suggesting that he put in a 30a breaker.

ah sorry you must not have a MLC 4x, the MLC actually calls for a 30a hardwire that is why I was talking about the 30a

what i was saying is to use a 20a would work for just the 2k @ 240v but it is recommended to use a 30a if possible