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Need Help! Light Controller + Dryer Ot Questions

RugerBaby

Autos are for pussies!
Veteran
Before I start, I would like to thank you in advance for taking time and looking at my thread. On with the questions!

So, I'm looking to upgrade my grow room. I'm currently running a 220w t5 setup for veg and a 600w for flower. I'm planning on purchasing two 1k hps for flower and using a 400w I already have for veg.


I'm pretty dumb when it comes to to wiring electrical stuff :dunno:, so thats out of the question. I'm looking to purchase a light controller and a 30 amp extension cord. I'm looking for a plug and play type of setup.



So would it be possible to run a 30 amp extension cord from my dryer outlet to my grow room which is about 30ft away?



I found these items on the net...

220v 30 amp extension
http://www.steam-brite.com/store/volt-prong-converter-p-123.html


4 light master controller
http://cheaphydroponics.com/store/l...ter-lighting-controller-4-light/prod_817.html




I would run the extension cord up the attic, then coming down from the ceiling in the grow room. Would this work?

Thanks for your help,
Ruger
 

globel

Member
it will work if you keep only 4 lights
you will also need a male plug to connect to the wire supplied with your controller. Thats even if it is supplied with a cable... Some CAP ones do not have cables. I have a mlc-16 and a 24 both do not come with cables.

Here is a link to the male plug.

http://www.rvpartscountry.com/30AmpPlug
 
With my set up, I installed a 40amp 22,000 AIC breaker with 6 gauge cable going to a nema 14-30 plug, Then I bought a PowerBox DPC-7500 and just plugged it in.. Its going to be more expensive doing it this way, but I sleep comfortable at night knowing my electrical is top notch.. What you want to do should be fine, If you want something that will just plug right in and already has a built in digital timer look into Powerbox.. Best money I ever spent.. :)

http://powerboxinc.com/powerbox_dpc_7500.html

You can get them for cheaper than that, I think I paid $300 for mine..
 

Neo 420

Active member
Veteran
So 2 1000 and a 400 with a light controller at 220v?
Lets see...
2 x 1000 watts lights draw about 4.5 amps so that's 9 amps.
1 x 400 watts would draw 1.8 so we are now at 10.8
Don't know the controller amperage but I would say 10 - 20 amp for a decent 2 or 3 light setup one. Then the 30 foot run...... Personally I would not do it without a dedicated circuit but I think it would work.
 

RugerBaby

Autos are for pussies!
Veteran
So 2 1000 and a 400 with a light controller at 220v?
Lets see...
2 x 1000 watts lights draw about 4.5 amps so that's 9 amps.
1 x 400 watts would draw 1.8 so we are now at 10.8
Don't know the controller amperage but I would say 10 - 20 amp for a decent 2 or 3 light setup one. Then the 30 foot run...... Personally I would not do it without a dedicated circuit but I think it would work.

well, I would just use the 2 1k on the light controller. The 400 would go on a separate outlet.

Are you saying that the light controller will add another 10-20 amps?
 

thenomad

New member
Nah, I believe he's saying the controller is rated for 10-20 amps.

Usually when I see single plug timers they are rated for 15amps.

You should always overestimate by at least 20% when it comes to amperage. Using 15 amps? Use at least a 20 amp breaker. Using 18 amps? Better go with a 25.
 

Neo 420

Active member
Veteran
Nah, I believe he's saying the controller is rated for 10-20 amps.

Usually when I see single plug timers they are rated for 15amps.

You should always overestimate by at least 20% when it comes to amperage. Using 15 amps? Use at least a 20 amp breaker. Using 18 amps? Better go with a 25.

Exactly..

I'm just afraid of voltage drop with a run that long. I'm not a electrician but I do know some of the basics.
 
Use 10-2 flexible from your favorite electricity department, and you can safely run (at least) 3 1000w ballasts. I say 10-2 as you're only running 240v to the controller, so you don't need the extra cost of the third wire (10-3) but be sure to mark the white wire to notify it's now hot.

FYI, you can build a 4-light controller yourself for around $100, little more with 10-2 flexible mentioned above.
 
Just took a look at all the links in this thread and it's all RIDICULOUSLY overpriced!

My post isn't exactly plug and play, but it's not as difficult or scary as you might think.
 

Neo 420

Active member
Veteran
Just took a look at all the links in this thread and it's all RIDICULOUSLY overpriced!

My post isn't exactly plug and play, but it's not as difficult or scary as you might think.


Of course it overpriced! That how the good Ole USA rolls.

If am not mistaken, the OP doesn't want to rewire anything... And if you have NO knowledge of electrical, I recommend stay away and pay someone who does. There is a fire every other week out here in the bay due to someone tinkering with their electrical. Plus its easy to get electrocuted.
 
lol, no, that's not how the USA rolls. Look harder, find it cheaper.

Spend the $5 on a guide to basic electricity; read it; make your own extension cord that's specific to your application for less money. No electrocution, and no fire if wired and sized properly - a very simple task. More than likely the OP will need to run 240v into the light controller, now's as good a time as any to learn something.
 

Neo 420

Active member
Veteran
I am simply giving advice on what the OP specified. I don't recommend what he is doing at all but to each his own...
 
I wasn't tryin' to pick on ya, broseph :dance013:

Oh man, I can't believe I missed the MLC4 link for $125 - that's a good price if shipping isn't too bad!
With that unit there's a 120v trigger cord that you plug into any standard 120v timer, no matter the amperage as it's only triggering a relay. You'd need to run 10/3 to the MLC4.
 

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