need some help regarding 240v outlet

[aepaepaep]

Hi guys and thanks for looking. I need some help. Im planning to flower in a basement with 2 1000w hps, and came to the realization that i shouldn't or can't run this on the 120v circuit currently in the basement. The guy at the hydro shop is trying to talk me into a light controller, which is cool and possibly something I'll want later. But it is out of budget now unless it is a total necessity.

My question is regarding the 240v circuit that the dryer is running on. Is there a simple way to use this for my hps lights? In a perfect world maybe a power strip to plug into the dryer outlet, so i can still use the dryer when lights are off.

Also, if there are power strips to be used, can the 120v cords on the ballasts be used or will those need rewiring?

Thanks for any and all help, ad im pretty damn confused when it comes down to the electricity.

 

[aepaepaep]

Sorry for double post, was trying to edit. You can close/delete the other thread.

 

[Mister_D]

The easiest way to do it is to buy light controller that will plug directly into the dryer plug. If dxhydro .com is still around they had pretty reasonable prices on controllers. Other option is obviously to buy one from the hydro store. Just make sure it's not a cap brand controller, those are a fire waiting to happen. That aside if you know what you're doing or can hire an electrician, you could wire up an Intermatic t-104 timer to a dryer cord, and an electrical box with an outlet or two in it. Though it's technically not legal/up to code, or even a good idea in most cases, you can use 120v outlets and ballast cords to run ballasts on 220v. Though I'd strongly encourage you to do it correctly and use 220v outlets and cords.

 

[aepaepaep]

Thanks for the reply. So it looks like a controller is the way i should go. I'm going have to look at my ballasts and figure out if they need to be rewired to 240v. I never anticipated the 120v/240v issue, and its pretty foreign to me.

http://www.greenlifegardensupply.com/hid-ballasts/

Above is a link to the ballast i have. Sorry if i sound confused, i am. Im not even sure what im trying to ask lol.

So if i go with the controller, that can plug into the dryer outlet, and then would i be able to plug in my 2 ballasts to that? Would this particular ballast need to be rewired with 240v plugs, or is it designed to allow for the 120v plugs to work?

Also if this circuit would be used only for flower would i be able to keep my dryer plugged into the controller as well.

I really wish there was an advanced search feature on this site, instead of thread title search.... ive wasted countless hours looking through threads and still find no real answers. I really appreciate any and all help.

 

[aepaepaep]

http://www.greenlifegardensupply.com/1000w-sg-lite-ballast/

Sorry this is the link to my ballast

 

[draztik]

You can build a lighting controller for around $50 that you can plug into the dryer outlet and power two 1000w lights using a basic timer

 

[Mister_D]

Thanks for the reply. So it looks like a controller is the way i should go. I'm going have to look at my ballasts and figure out if they need to be rewired to 240v. I never anticipated the 120v/240v issue, and its pretty foreign to me.

http://www.greenlifegardensupply.com/hid-ballasts/

Above is a link to the ballast i have. Sorry if i sound confused, i am. Im not even sure what im trying to ask lol.

I don't follow offsite links, but doing a lil searching leads me to believe your ballast just requires you flip the flap on the side of the ballast so the 220v outlet is exposed (they should be labeled for 120v and 220v). You'll need 220v ballast cords, but no rewiring is necessary. If this isn't that case with your ballast, snap a pic of what you have and i'll advise further.

So if i go with the controller, that can plug into the dryer outlet, and then would i be able to plug in my 2 ballasts to that? Would this particular ballast need to be rewired with 240v plugs, or is it designed to allow for the 120v plugs to work?

Yup controller plugs into the dryer outlet, ballast plug into the controller. Your ballast isn't designed so it can be used with 120v wires on a 220v power (technically speaking, no ballast is). You'll need 220v cords plugged into the 220v outlet on the ballast for it to work.

Also if this circuit would be used only for flower would i be able to keep my dryer plugged into the controller as well.

If your controller comes with a dryer plug wired into it, then yes you can. You won't however be able to run the lights and dryer at the same time.

I really wish there was an advanced search feature on this site, instead of thread title search.... ive wasted countless hours looking through threads and still find no real answers. I really appreciate any and all help.

We'll get ya sorted man, no worries

 

[aepaepaep]

Yes, thank you very much. And yes my ballast is exactly as you described, so ill need to buy the 240v plugs. My hydro shop will have those.

Another quick question comes up. Once my controller is wired up and plugged into the dryer outlet, is it ok at this point to use 240v extension cords to the ballast? My dryer is first floor and flower room is in the basement. Ext cord would need to run 25ft or so.

I do believe i saw a 240v power strip/extension at my local shop.

Also, is it possible to wire the dryer cord to an extension cord, and just use 2 seperate timers for my ballasts? Or is that just not practical?

Thanks a bunch for your help man.

 

[aepaepaep]

I keep saying 240v but reading 220v as you say, whats the difference?

 

[aepaepaep]

Also im looking into a light controller from autopilot, has anyone heard of the brand? Or used one?

APCL4240 is the model number of the one im lookng at. Its $125 at my local shop.

 

[mowood3479]

Residential elec power in the usa is 120volt
(Sometimes its is refered to as 110v) idk why
This is one hot wire a ground wire and a nuetral.
To get 240volt u simply use two "hot" wires
And a ground 120v+120v=240v also referred to sometimes as 220v
. Its the same thing..
Two hot wires instead of one.
I hope that helps..
There are some very knowledgable electricians on this board.
Iam not one of them.. Perhaps they could explain this a bit better..
That confused the hell
Out of me when i first started reading up on electric work

 

[mowood3479]

N yes i have used an autopilot controller..
Its worked well for me 3 years n running.

 

[mowood3479]

I would advise against running an extension cord to the basement.
If ur elec panel is in the basement already (likely that it is)
Ur easiest and best (safest) option is to add one 30amp 240v breaker to ur elec panel and run some 10/2 romex wire to where u want ur light controller mounted.

 

[Mister_D]

I keep saying 240v but reading 220v as you say, whats the difference?

Basically as mowood explained some places run voltage at 110v, some do 120v, and 220v or 240v is just the sum of using two hot wires. Practically speaking, there is no difference between 110v and 120v, or 220v and 240v as far as running your equipment goes anyway.

I would advise against running an extension cord to the basement.
If ur elec panel is in the basement already (likely that it is)
Ur easiest and best (safest) option is to add one 30amp 240v breaker to ur elec panel and run some 10/2 romex wire to where u want ur light controller mounted.

Don't try running extension cords for ballasts or your dryer. That is a huge fire hazard! If you can't go directly from dryer plug/hard wired to the controller, controller to the ballasts, you need to have a new run of wire pulled into your grow room PERIOD. You should be able to have an electrician come run you a new line for fairly cheap (how much depends on length between the breaker box and your room, and also what's involved getting the wire there). I'd guess it'll cost around 100-200 bucks depending (lot cheaper than burning your house down). Just tell them you want to move your laundry room into the basement and need a new dryer plug installed .

 

[aepaepaep]

Sounds good and thanks for the help.

 

[ApolloAK]

The easiest way to do it is to buy light controller that will plug directly into the dryer plug. If dxhydro .com is still around they had pretty reasonable prices on controllers. Other option is obviously to buy one from the hydro store. Just make sure it's not a cap brand controller, those are a fire waiting to happen. That aside if you know what you're doing or can hire an electrician, you could wire up an Intermatic t-104 timer to a dryer cord, and an electrical box with an outlet or two in it. Though it's technically not legal/up to code, or even a good idea in most cases, you can use 120v outlets and ballast cords to run ballasts on 220v. Though I'd strongly encourage you to do it correctly and use 220v outlets and cords.

I see alot of people recommending DX but I'm not sure if he's still in business. I've tried emailing him several times, called for a week straight and left a couple of voice mails and still have heard nothing back. Ended up building my own light controller as it was easier than trying to just get ahold of them.

 

[TheLearningOne]

I use a dryer plug to run mine, 6k I'm a little over the 85% recommended but I feel its OK. What I did is picked up a welder extension cord from the dryer plug into a t104 timer and out of the timer into 4square boxes with 220v outlets.