How to run multiple hps lights in one room or tent?

biggee

Active Member
wuts up roll it up? Big G back and it feels good i should say, quick ? tho. how do I run multiple hps lamps in one room or tent? any replies r greatly appreciated. can i use a powerbox or just run them to different circuts? I always c videos of nice looking rooms or tents with 2-8 lights or something, but u never get to c how they get power to all those lights. somebody help please.
 

DrKingGreen

Well-Known Member
You would have a bit of wiring to do, but I wouldn't recommend it with the lack of knowledge you have about it. I've been around some electrical work and still won't do any myself... And I'll build or work on just about anything else. Just run off different breakers. Make sure they are a big enough gauge for what you are running on each. Also make sure your amp service can hold everything that will be running in the house.
 

SeeRockCity

Active Member
Yeah, first you need to really make sure each circuit can handle the load that you want to give it.

If it were me..I would limit 1000W max per 15amp breaker.
Also, check any existing wiring that you are using...if it's old...or not a thick enough gauge... don't use it.

(Disclaimer) ...but if you don't know much about wiring...maybe not the route for you.
you would have to cut the power at the box, add breakers and lines and plugs either in the wall or in conduit....lots of work.
don't just go running a bunch of extension chords and power strips.... setups like that work initially (sometimes) and then fail when someone plugs in a heavy appliance, or a bunch of Christmas lights....

this is an 'all or nothing' type of deal....
not something I would attempt without a permit, to be quite honest...being up to code should be #1 priority on something like that.

you can tell the county that you are adding more breakers and lines to account for a new aquarium system or something.....
 
They make controllers to handle multiple lights. Or you could plug them in seperate outlets with seperate timers, or a strip to a timer like I do.
Depends on what power lights.
On a 110V 15amp you could run 3 400w, or 2 600w, or 1 1000w.
On a 110V 20amp you could run 4 400w, 3 600w, and 2 1000w.
thats on a single circuit, with nothing else on it.
Go to your breaker box and find the breaker that is labeled to the room your tent is in. Cut it off. Everything that turns off is on the circuit. Most times a whole room or even 2 are on 1 circuit. This is why people get electricians to help.
hope this makes sense and helps.
 

biggee

Active Member
thank u so much parkth3car. thats exactly the info I needed. I'm gonna go with 3 400 watters. been lookin for this info for a while.
Stay Green and in space!!!
 

biggee

Active Member
wont take that route. gonna run 3 400 watters on a single breaker. all fans and supplemental lighting will b on a seperate powerstrip and on a different breaker
 

biggee

Active Member
tru. Im actually thinkin about doin that. only thought 400 watts cause its cheaper for me now, but i know i will get better results with the 600's
 

Confucious

Active Member
I'd suggest going to your local grow store and asking them if they can recommend a friendly electrician to come and help run more power.
 

DrKingGreen

Well-Known Member
If you want I can find the ebay users name I got my light from. He was using magnetic ballasts, but now is selling a ss 600w digital, cooltube, bulb, light reflector of your choice, light pulley's, and timer as a package deal for $203. Delivery was pretty quick, price was great, everything comes with a 5 year warranty!
 

SeeRockCity

Active Member
When checking your breakers, also try and take note of the areas that are NOT listed on the box.
These are usually tied into other sections of electric.

ie. Just because something is labeled "kitchen' does not mean that the kitchen wiring is the sole load on that line...
There very well could be plugs on the other side of the wall that are accessed from a different room tied into the same circuit.

It is also important to check your line gauge...thinner gauge gets hotter and can cause issues if you run a constant high demand.

I vote for the 2x600W too.... mathematically, more energy efficient. and with the cool hoods....you'll be fine on temp.
 
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