Electrician help needed

WestCoastDank

WestCoastDank

Member
I'm running power for my 2 rooms i'm using to grow in and am thinking about running a second or sub-panel breaker box just for my grow stuff.. I'm running 4 1000w's and a bunch of t5's for veg so what kind of power (amps) do I need to run over to the new box?

I have what looks to be 4 double breakers that are unused in the main box, (2 20amp's, 1 30amp, and 1 40 amp breaker).. Would I be able to use these for my grow room's?

So pretty much i'm asking for a list of materials and a rough cost?
Thanks for the help!
 
fabfun

fabfun

New Member
yes you can use those but add up amps of equipment to to see what u need to put on what breakers
wire and outlets cheap but if u need more info give me more like distance of wire run from room to panel
 
WestCoastDank

WestCoastDank

Member
Would it be easier to change all the plugs in the room's to 220 and just run wire from the plugs to the unused breakers in the box? That way I will still have control of the room on just those 4 breakers without having to run a separate box?
 
sleeperls93

sleeperls93

Active Member
Dude, if your grow area is near the main panel, then I would just run lines directly from the panel, especially since you seem to have the space in the panel... especially if its an unfinished basement and or garage...
 
T

Troyzkoi

Active Member
WestCoastDank said:
I'm running power for my 2 rooms i'm using to grow in and am thinking about running a second or sub-panel breaker box just for my grow stuff.. I'm running 4 1000w's and a bunch of t5's for veg so what kind of power (amps) do I need to run over to the new box?

I have what looks to be 4 double breakers that are unused in the main box, (2 20amp's, 1 30amp, and 1 40 amp breaker).. Would I be able to use these for my grow room's?

So pretty much i'm asking for a list of materials and a rough cost?
Thanks for the help!
Click to expand...
power = voltage x current
1000w = 240V x amps 1000w = 120V x amps
4.16 amps................. 8.33 amps
include 1 more amp per ballast approx. for extra ballast consumption...

If possible, try to split your light on different circuits incase 1 circuit trips you will still have some light from another circuit...

Go to your local Library and grab a few books if going to do it yourself, just as a safety precaution, and you might be able to buy the right materials the first time... Books rule and so does the help of others...
 
WestCoastDank

WestCoastDank

Member
Troyzkoi said:
power = voltage x current
1000w = 240V x amps 1000w = 120V x amps
4.16 amps................. 8.33 amps
include 1 more amp per ballast approx. for extra ballast consumption...

If possible, try to split your light on different circuits incase 1 circuit trips you will still have some light from another circuit...

Go to your local Library and grab a few books if going to do it yourself, just as a safety precaution, and you might be able to buy the right materials the first time... Books rule and so does the help of others...
Click to expand...

Ok thanks Troyzkoi, The main thing I don't understand is how to determine if the breakers are running on 120 or 240?
 
sleeperls93

sleeperls93

Active Member
I would run dedicated lines from the panel at 110 volts; yes it draws more amps this way, but it leaves room inside panel for many more circuits, where as the 220 breakers take up 2 slots in the panel... Now the ohms law equation that Troy provided(thank's troy) show's how much amperage a 1k light draws from a 220volt line, and how much it draws from a 110volt line... it would be more economical to run 220volt lines, but as I stated earlier. it takes up space in the panel, unless you run a sub-panel for your equipment..... How many amps is your home's service??
 
sleeperls93

sleeperls93

Active Member
Oh your question, a 220volt line will use what is called a two-pole breaker, where as a 110 uses single pole breakers....220 lines are the combination of two 110 volt lines running simultaneously in the same circuit! Most circuits in a home will be 110volts except fro things like an electrical stove, electrical dryer, and some central a/c air handlers...
 
T

Troyzkoi

Active Member
Not to get side tracked or anything, bet before you buy your materials, If you are buying more wire, string out your paths to get measurements and add a bit for slack... Where you buy, they may be able to cut the wire at exact lengths for you, or total all lengths of each wire size and cut your lengths at home... It may be cheaper for you unless you need a full spool, or various packaged lengths...
 
fabfun

fabfun

New Member
i found out recently it cost more buy by foot buy in bulk just do like trotzkoi said and get rough footage then buy more it comes in 25,50, 100, 250 and 1000 feet bundles


Troyzkoi said:
Not to get side tracked or anything, bet before you buy your materials, If you are buying more wire, string out your paths to get measurements and add a bit for slack... Where you buy, they may be able to cut the wire at exact lengths for you, or total all lengths of each wire size and cut your lengths at home... It may be cheaper for you unless you need a full spool, or various packaged lengths...
Click to expand...
 
reggaerican

reggaerican

Well-Known Member
i just recycled 340lbs of wire today and bought myself and a coworker a crap load of hash...

perks of bieng an electrician...
 
sleeperls93

sleeperls93

Active Member
reggaerican said:
i just recycled 340lbs of wire today and bought myself and a coworker a crap load of hash...

perks of bieng an electrician...
Click to expand...
Haha, I know what your talking about bro, I'm in the trade also, and have a huge garbage can of copper, left for a rainy day....
 
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