How much is too much?

I was thinking about using alot of CFLs as opposed to one metal halide, or T5s .... But how much can a standard 120V socket handle ? If I added a power strip with a serge protector would that help ? How many 26(maybe different?) watt CFLs can be run through a standard outlet ? I just don't want to burn the house I'll soon be renting down !!!

I'm running two 150 watt hps and a fan off of an outlet, going through a surge protector, i've had no problems.

Will simple new outlets from walmart help to insure that nothing bad happens ? I'm not an electrician but I'm sure I could wire a wall outlet (with googles help) lol. I'll probably end up running my 2 600 watt hps off one outlet and fans, pumps, CFLs, etc off of another...

it depends on the amp rating on the circuit. household systems typically have 10, 15, 20 and 50 amp circuits. find the amp of the circuit by looking at the breaker. use this formula

(120 volts) x (number of amps in circuit) x .8/ (watt per light) = number of lights

so

(120 volts) x (lets say 10 amps) x .8 / (23 watts per light) = 42 lights. think you're ok

yeah, you would need a LOT of CFLs to blow out a circuit. Its the more high end stuff like squirrel fans and 1000W HSPs that you need to start doing the math.

Thanks desert rat. Your post are always helpful if I knew how to give +rep or whatever I would. Your picture does scare me tho haha. So can I buy larger fuses to run more power ?I don't think I'll have to tho b.c if 10 amp circuits are usually the lowest according to you and your formula I should be fine

EDIT::: CFLs are only going to be used to take care of my mothers. (2-10) and possibly rooting clones. 2-3 600 watt hps lamps will do flowering. And I also have to run alot of fans obviously. And pumps once I switch to hydroponics

you'll be fine with the 10 amp for your cfl's, but you're going to have to check out the system for an hps grow. and no, don't replace the circuit breaker, the wires to the socket are also a different size for different amp circuits. this is a really good way to start a fire.

Well I'm going to be renting a house while I go to school. First priority is making sur ethe homeowner will give me complete privacy (obviously) but then how do I go about making sure I have enough electricity ? If I hook the hps to an extention from another room that won't solve my problem ? Sorry I'm a dunce when it comes to electricity ..

willywooper said:

Well I'm going to be renting a house while I go to school. First priority is making sur ethe homeowner will give me complete privacy (obviously) but then how do I go about making sure I have enough electricity ? If I hook the hps to an extention from another room that won't solve my problem ? Sorry I'm a dunce when it comes to electricity ..

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i would bet good money that most spaces that work well for growing don't have enough electricity going to them. yes, you can use an extension cord if you are careful. extension cords are rated for amps as well so you want the right one. if you need to use more than one extension cord connected together, you need to use a heavier cord than if you use only one cord. if the ends of the cord get too hot, you need a heavier cord.

Well money won't be an issue. 90% of the reason I chose to use CFLs is because it will save alot of money. Therefore I can put extra $ into extention cords, power strips etc. I didn't know all that stuff had watt/amp ratings. Very good to know before I go out and buy some piece of shi* ! Maybe I could connect 2 heavy duty extention cords just for extra precaution? wrap the connection point of the 2 cords in electrical tape ?

willywooper said:

Maybe I could connect 2 heavy duty extention cords just for extra precaution? wrap the connection point of the 2 cords in electrical tape ?

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exactly what i did. don't forget to check the connections for heat (with everything you are going to have on that circuit turned on)