Recent content by WestSide Ukiah

A relay could do this, no problem. Regular "ice cube" relays come to mind for this project. You have to get one with the right coil rating for the input voltage. I guess it depends on the motion sensor. But I'm picturing a regular residential type motion sensor flood light fixture. And in...

I like the idea of staging a camp site complete with lights, radios on timers. Add plenty of tripwire noise makers and you have a pretty decent security system. And now that you know people know... Better plan on having someone actually staying in the tent leading up to harvest time. Dogs...

Yes you need a disconnect. It is for safety, AND to pass code. The disco should be near the condenser. The idea is anyone servicing the unit can keep an eye on the disconnecting means, so no one can inadvertently re-energize the circuit and "light up" whoever is working on the equipment. Plus...

Oh, is that what you guys say? LoL! The electrical engineers I deal with are pretty good at drawing neato looking symbols on the E sheets. But I see these guys walking around the job site and I seriously doubt most of them could even handle wearing a tool belt all day; let alone run conduit...

If it is the regular 2 conductor zip cord, I would use butt splices and some shrink tubing over it. I would stagger the slices to make the cord as streamlined as possible.

You can get 400 amps in residential neighborhoods around here. But they will want to know what the load is. 400 amps is a BIG service for an average home. I have seen many 5 unit apartment buildings running 400 amp services with 100 amp subs to the units. --for perspective. Around here the...

Are they purpose built apartments, or a house converted to apartments? If they are actual apartments, I would say the garages might be on a "house meter". Meaning a separate meter for outbuildings, communal laundry room, security lighting, ect. that the property owner pays the bill for. It...

You could use a big weed torch with a 5 gallon propane tank. You have to keep the torch moving or it will scorch the pvc. Heat the pipe along the length and well past the area you want to bend. Heat the pipe until it is good and floppy. Bend the pipe into place while it is still pliable and hold...

I would find a breaker that is listed for your main panel to feed another sub panel. Install the sub right next to the main if that is where you want to run new branch circuits from. I would do it that way because otherwise you would have to call the utility co to come do a...

No Worries, Yes, something is lost in the discussion when it is in written form. But actually, your first post directed towards me absolutely did insinuated my idea wouldn't offer protection. Remember? You asked where is the gfci going to "magically" get it's ground from? No mention of...

Where did I ever say my input is more valuable then a "Licensed Electrician"? Bottletoke is the one insinuating HIS input is more valuable then mine. --And I stand by my statement. I would expect a licensed electrician to know a gfci device doesn't need an equipment grounding conductor to offer...

If you want to have a discussion on the pro's and con's of gfci, then great! It's good info to share with fellow growers. I too have posted my concerns regarding nuisance tripping in "The Most Dangerous Grow Room Component" thread. But it all boils down to, life-safety overrides convenience. I'm...

Another What? I would expect a "LICENSED ELECTRICIAN" to know a GFCI receptacle does not need an equipment grounding conductor to function as designed. Have you ever even installed a gfci receptacle? What do you think all those "No Equipment Ground" stickers are for...

The Discovery channel website calls the show a "6 episode series". Then I think I read somewhere that it would be replaced with a permanent show based more on the law enforcement side of the weed culture.

Are the outlets at the lamp holder built into the base of the fixture, or a screw in adapter? One way to check for imminent danger is to check the cords, adapters, and connection points for heat. Excessive heat is a telltale sign that you might be overworking the circuit. If you can't...