Electric Help

gogogogogogo

gogogogogogo

Well-Known Member
Hey guys, every day getting closer to D-Day here. Plants are germinating and my flowering box will be built this Sunday (God willing.)

I'm trying to figure out an electric issue here, and would really appreciate the response from a certified electrician. I am willing to go the route of paying an electrician in the event I really have to, but would prefer not to as I have already exceeded my budget.

Okay. So. The room I'm growing in is on a 15 amp circuit. I have an extension cord running from another room (different circuit, I checked) to run (2) 6" inline fans and (2)" duct booster fans. Due to the low wattage, I am assuming running these from a surge protector won't incur any electrical wrath.

Onto the lights. I am running (2) 600w digital ballasts and (1) 400w digital ballast. I believe in 110 this is approx. 13 amps. This is obviously too high, and running 1600w off one outlet would be really pushing it.

So to remedy this, I ordered (3) 240v cords for my ballasts (yes they are all 110-240 rated). Now prior to receiving them, I guess I didn't realize the outlet was different from a standard outlet. I ordered a surge protector that converts 110 to 240v. What I am wondering is if it is safe to use this? Does stepping up the voltage through a surge protector create an unwarranted risk?

Furthermore, the (2) 600w ballasts and (1) 400w ballast need to be on separate timers. I have considered running my 400w ballast 110v through a timer attached to an outlet, but this still leaves me with the problem of my 240v lights needing a timer. Is it safe to plug the 110-240v surge protector into the timer? I am going with a heavy duty 15 amp timer for extra protection.

To break it down.

Question 1
Is converting 110v standard outlet to 240v through a surge protector safe?

Question 2
Is running a 110v-240v surge protector plugged into a timer plugged into a standard 110v wall outlet safe?

Question 3
Is my best bet just splitting the two between the two circuits I have available, or is running 400 watts + two fans too high to run through an extension cord?

Guys, I know electrical questions are all unique and can be complicated, so I apologize for any confusion my questions may pose. I want to be safe. However, I also desire to be cost effective. I'd like to reach a happy medium. If more information is necessary please ask! I'll do my best to provide you with the necessary information.
 
gogogogogogo

gogogogogogo

Well-Known Member
rkymtnman said:
you mean a step up transformer? a surge protector doesn't change voltage. it protects from surges such as lightning strikes, etc
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Perhaps that was worded incorrectly. I was under the impression I just needed a 240v cord. I didn't realize I need a step up transformer.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
the only way to get 110 to 240 is via step up transformer.

if i were you, hire somebody to pull you a 20A 240V circuit to your room for you lights.
 
rkymtnman

rkymtnman

Well-Known Member
TubePot said:
You first have to change the single pole breaker to a 2 pole at the main panel for that outlet.
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and everything else on that circuit that runs at 110V blows up. gotta make sure nothing else is on it first. lights, other outlets, etc
 
gogogogogogo

gogogogogogo

Well-Known Member
rkymtnman said:
the only way to get 110 to 240 is via step up transformer.

if i were you, hire somebody to pull you a 20A 240V circuit to your room for you lights.
Click to expand...
Yeah I think this is probably the safest bet. I just wanted to see if there was a safe way to do it with existing hardware. Contacting a guy I know who does work on commercial grows.

As for the timers, I've never had any problem with my 400w on a timer but I've never ran 1200w on a single timer.

You're sure that is too much for a heavy duty 15 amp timer like this?
http://www.amazon.com/Intermatic-HB880R-15-Amp-Outdoor-Digital/dp/B00B0XIIGE/ref=pd_sim_sbs_60_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=51Dfvp6eNHL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&refRID=1TK32APFFDDY3VBPADSA

I'd really rather not have to run relays or buy a light controller box.
 
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