running cobs parallel fused?

So Im thinking of running three 36 volt vero 29s at 2.8 amps on a driver that has cc 36 volts * 8.9.
Ive been reading about thermal run away but will this work if I add a fuse in between each cob of 3amps.

I like the cc driver because I will be able to add more cobs later and lower the amps when I have more cash for cobs.

sure or use an "A" driver where you can limit voltage

frankslan said:

So Im thinking of running three 36 volt vero 29s at 2.8 amps on a driver that has cc 36 volts * 8.9.
Ive been reading about thermal run away but will this work if I add a fuse in between each cob of 3amps.

I like the cc driver because I will be able to add more cobs later and lower the amps when I have more cash for cobs.

Click to expand...

With Vero 29's, providing you are running at rated nominal drive current (or there abouts) and have adequate heatsinking and are running more than 2 cob's per driver, a fuse is entirely unnecessary at the CoB. Thermal runaway only occurs with inadequate cooling and vero's are fuckin bomb proof!! take a look at the spec sheet and see the MAXIMUM ratings, 200% forward current? meh, not an issue, 150c junction temps? meh, might be a bit warm but I'm part LED, part honey badger!!

CobKits said:

sure or use an "A" driver where you can limit voltage

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HVG-320-36A I was going to use this guy and run them parallel

are you on 480V power? that driver needs 180V minimum

HLG series is 100-300V and is more common

oh no Im in america 120volts thanks for the help Ill have to pick a diff driver.

Ill go with this one probably
HLG-320H-36

So the A drivers you can adjust voltage. Does it also allow you to lower the amperage?

yes they have current and voltage adjustment.

hvgs arent for different countries, theyd be for warehouses and streetlights and such where higher voltage is more common

CobKits said:

yes they have current and voltage adjustment.

hvgs arent for different countries, theyd be for warehouses and streetlights and such where higher voltage is more common

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Hey so my vero 29 are actually 38 volts would the HLG-320H-36A be better or the HLG-320H-40A.
It says the h-36 can go up to 39 volt. The h-40 goes from 38-45 volt. I guessing it doesnt matter each will work?

if both the 36 and the 40 hit the voltage range you need, select the 36 as it will

a. have more current
b. provide foolproof current limiting thru voltage top-out in many cases

CobKits said:

if both the 36 and the 40 hit the voltage range you need, select the 36 as it will

a. have more current
b. provide foolproof current limiting thru voltage top-out in many cases

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got it thanks just wanted to double check before I pulled the trigger. I thought they were 36 volt this whole time.

"B" versions dont go over 36/42/48/52/etc

"A versions adjust above the nominal rating. see datrasheet

Thanks man youve been so helpful. I was wondering about the b version i thought maybe it just ment you had to make your own dimmer. Learning a lot. Thanks!

As others have said, the veros could probably handle more amperage if you do have a run away. If you wanted to limit potentially damaging equipment and or plants under equipment than a 2 amp fuse wouldn't be a bad idea imo. The downside would be leaving the plants with no light if you have a failure, but you wouldn't fry the plant if it got full power directly from one cob.

I ordered 3 amp fuses I plan to run 3 vero 29s at 2.8 amps for a total of 2 drivers and 6 cobs for a 4by4. To start with Im going with 4 on one driver so 2.1 to start off with in veg till I have more money. I wonder if I even need fuses at all then. Like lets say there was thermal run away how far could it even go.

Idk I have the fuses now so no worries, I bought 100 watt heatsinks too so heat shouldn't be an issue.

With 3 amp fuses it could go all the way to the 2.8 amp output of your driver to just one cob

CobKits said:

"B" versions dont go over 36/42/48/52/etc

"A versions adjust above the nominal rating. see datrasheet

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So since this is running at 38 volts 8 amps what size wire do I need. I picked up some Stranded Hook-Up Wire Kit, 300V would this work fine? I figure I can use this from my distribution block to the cobs at least.


If I wanted to run the driver remotely what size would I need. I watched grow mouse vid he says 16 agw solid core for ten feet. He builds at high voltage.