[madpenguin]

Another post reminded me of the importance of using the correct receptacle for the proper application. Thought I'd share the different NEMA receptacle's here.

Ignore all horizontal columns except for the 125v and 250v ones. The rest are for 3 phase commercial applications.

Receptacles, just like wire, are only rated for a certain amperage. Make sure you don't mix and match. If you've got a 30A branch circuit then you need to use a 30A receptacle.

Again, this is North American only.

[Phillthy]

Thanks madpenguin. I have recently switched to tamper resistant/weather resistant outlets.

Originally Posted by yamaha_1fan

ACtually it IS the more complicated stuff that we cant outsource. I used Sunsystem ballasts with Hydrofarm hoods. Who am I going to call to cut the plugs off and hardwire them? Nobody, I had to do it myself. If a ballast goes bad, who am I going to have fix it? Nobody, myself.

And if setting up a 5000+ grow, you cant really have an electrician in. There is no reasonable reson for wanting so much power, in such a small space with outlets everywhere you need it.

It would be nice if we had a dedicated electrical section where anyone could post topics, but only a qualified few could respond.


The info posted here is very helpful

agree hundred percent i just wired a new 240 and did it from talk with guy in store and forum...we should have forum with sticky on basics and then have opportunity to answer questions

[madpenguin]

I wanted to clarify really quick. When ever I say "outlet", I'm actually referring to a junction box. I've probably said the word "outlet" a billion times, and hopefully, not once was I actually talking about a receptacle.

An "outlet", as defined by the NEC, is a point in the wiring system where conductors can be utilized. Nothing more. That's not the exact definition but close enough.

If you pull your ceiling fixture down in the living room.... That's an outlet. So, when reading the AFCI requirements back a couple posts, your light fixture in your bedroom needs to be AFCI protected. Your smoke alarms.... Pretty much everything listed in those rooms along with the receptacles.

Homeowners:
light bulb
light fixture
outlet
sub panel (In a submarine?)

Electricians:
lamp
luminarie
receptacle
panelboard or loadcenter

It can get confusing when trying to interchange the two definitions.

Edit due to lack of comprehension

The only real danger at all is plugging in a 120V appliance accidentally whoops

very un-good. Install proper receptacles and attachment plugs. "Keeping it original" is not an option. Buy the replacement cord, if available.

Shovelhandle
IBEW

Ah but it is an option as I've proven to myself for nearly a decade.I know this isnt for everyone I happen to live alone so if I blew up a vacuum cleaner it would be on me lol.At least you didnt say it was electrically dangerous like I've heard too often.I wouldnt want anyone to do anything they dont feel is 100% cool for them thats for sure

No problem, if you kept your 'handy tips' to yourself. But posting something that is potentially dangerous as an option or recomendation is not helpful. We all make 'shortcuts' sometime but in any case it's best not to encourage others to do so. I do believe that you understand electricity but be careful what information you share. Even the best, code-worthy advice can be fucked up by an amateur. Just my $.02

I do have a good sugestion to all growers, put up a smoke/fire detector in your grow area. I bought a decent one for $5 at a hardware store on sale. It may just allow you to avoid bad scene someday. Can't hurt, heh?

"Potentially dangerous"?Here we go I'll just delete the post since 2 cents is worth exactly that and not worth it.Before you declare something "potentially dangerous" though you really should understand electrical wiring and devices yourself.

Yep, junior. I don't understand those complicated things...
36 years as a licensed master electrician. Member International Association of Electrical Inspectors, National Fire Protection Association, Institute of Electical and Electronic Engineers and a Level II Certified Infrared Thermographer (ya, I read you 'enlightening' posts about your 'Lazer Thermometer" too, LOL)