electrical help rewiring a hard wired ballast

[bobman]

I have an old hydrofarm ballast and hood . The plug and hood are directly wired to inside the ballast. The plug got fried and needs replacement. long story short i fucked the cord up too so i was wondering if I could just use one of those 14 or 16 gauge 8 ft cords from home depot to replace the cord and plug altogether. i believe the brand name is dusty or rusty. it seems like it would word. just want to make sure it will work and if so 14 or 16 gauge.

Thanks,
bobman

 

[Fastcast]

Need more info.Like the wattage of the Ballast?

 

[bobman]

1000 watt

 

[Granger2]

bob,
Always err to the side of bigger wire just to be safe. Use the same size wire that the ballast has now, or a size larger. Do you have even 6" of good wire coming out of the ballast? If so, just carefully splice it using the proper size wire nuts and PLENTY of electrical tape. Pretty basic operation, but must be done with care. You can google electrical wire splicing for instructions. Good luck. -granger

 

[bobman]

the cord and replacement plug seem rated for this and have a ground wire.

 

[bobman]

bob,
Always err to the side of bigger wire just to be safe. Do you have even 6" of good wire coming out of the ballast? If so, just carefully splice it using the proper size wire nuts and PLENTY of electrical tape. Pretty basic operation, but must be done with care. You can google electrical wire splicing for instructions. Good luck. -granger

i fucked up and cut the cord about 4-6 inched from the ballast. I guess I could splice and replace plug i just thought i would hard wire back in for safety if the cord can handle it.

 

[FreezerBoy]

My Ballast is hardwired also. The fix is easy. Open the box. Note the wire nuts, leave them on for now. Separate cord wires from interior wires and mark interior wires with a W or B so you'll know where to connect new cord. Disconnect wires at the nuts. Remove old cord. Thread ext cord through the hole and reconnect.

16 may do but 14 is better (bigger) for pretty much the same price.

 

[Fastcast]

14 awg.Hope this helps.Better higher awg then lower.Safe groing.Also DO NOT FORGET the capacitor has stored energy,it's best to discharge it.The 1000 watter is closer to 10 amps,so 16 is not enough.

 

[bobman]

Its actually called husky here are the specs.

The Exito 8 ft. 16/2 Medium-Duty Tool Replacement Cord is designed to be kink-free and replaces damaged cords. It has a 13-amp, 200-volt and 1625-watt capacity and it is insulated for 300 volts.

Replaces damaged cords
Designed to be kink-free
2 conductors
16 gauge
13 amp, 125-volt and 1625-watt capacity
Insulated for 300 volts
MFG Brand Name : Husky
MFG Model # : HD#600-237
MFG Part # : HD#600-237

 

[bobman]

thanks guys i will get the husky 14 gauge. one more question. the ground in the ballast is woven together with some crimping device with an eye that will not let me separate the old ground. can i just wrap the new ground around the old ground screw and place it snuggly next to the eye and tighten the screw.

 

[Fastcast]

It wouldn't hurt to wrap your wire nuts with electrical tape,for vibration.

 

[FreezerBoy]

can i just wrap the new ground around the old ground screw and place it snuggly next to the eye and tighten the screw.

Yeah but, you can get a new eye for pennies and it's a safer connection.

 

[FreezerBoy]

.Also DO NOT FORGET the capacitor has stored energy,it's best to discharge it.

D'OH! Forgot about that. Mine is for a 150 with cap and ignitor built in.

Instructions, please?

 

[bobman]

One more thing freezerboy. is there a trick to getting those black pieces that hold the cord in place on the interior and exterior wall of the ballast off.

 

[bobman]

is there a real threat of discharge. i know it can happened but i already disconnected everything. i have no idea how to discharge but i can search that if its not complicated.

 

[Fastcast]

Sci.Electronics.You need a resistor and some jumpers and insulated screw driver.Lot of places on the net with diagrams to help.Best I can do.

 

[Fastcast]

Just be very careful.Amps kill

 

[FreezerBoy]

One more thing freezerboy. is there a trick to getting those black pieces that hold the cord in place on the interior and exterior wall of the ballast off.

Those doo-dads come in every size and shape under the sun. Some unscrew, some have a popup tab, some are one time only. We'd need a quality Macro shot to even guess.

If they are one time only, it may be a simple grommet can take it's place provided you tie a knot in the cord before it leaves the box. This will prevent accidentally pulling the cord free of the nuts inside.

 

[bobman]

always careful around electrical at least ever since my hand slipped while i was replacing a breaker as I was telling my mentor to shut the fuck up i am being careful. I was also struck by lighting but thats another story. Thanks guys rep for everyone wish it could be beers. maybe one day.

 

[FreezerBoy]

always careful around electrical at least ever since my hand slipped while i was replacing a breaker as I was telling my mentor to shut the fuck up i am being careful. I was also struck by lighting but thats another story.

Seriously though, glad you're OK!