[rr14]

I have a quick 220 unit that I use to power my hid lights. Obviously I also have access to 115 volt ac. Is there any way to use the 277 volt lighting with my quick 220 or will I have to switch it over. Also, what is involved with switching it from 277 volt to something that I can use?

thanks!

[rr14]

damn, no electricians in here?

[MTF-Sandman]

If you want to use them, you'll need to either purchase an expensive 1 phase to 3 phase converter or replace the ballasts with 110v/120v ballasts. It'll be MUCH cheaper in the long run to just buy some T8 shop lights since the T5 ballasts are still pretty pricey even at electrical supply houses....not too mention that the bulbs are a helluva lot cheaper for T8's also.

Put those 277v setups on Ebay and maybe someone with a warehouse will give you some decent money for them.

[maverick]

Get rid of the 277 equipment they will cost you more to operate than buying new equipment....I think I would invest in T8's because of the cost related to the T5...and I have done a complete run using over 30 of the 54watt T5's so I can speak from experience....

[rr14]

so stick with t8's? I know watt for watt it's similar lumen output.

[maverick]

This is a decision you would have to make for yourself....yes the lumens watts ratio are about the same....The main draw back with the T5 is the costs involved and the availabilty....Also about your 277 equipment what 277 is, is it is the 110 volts of a 480 volt system....I did feel that the penetrating power of the T5 might have been better but have no figures to prove or disprove this....but then if you are growing under fluoro you should be growing a different method than trying to grow trees....say maybe doing a SOG where the lower parts of the plant are not what you are growing for....IMO