10 bulb CFL array

420hydro

420hydro

Well-Known Member
Here is a CFL light array I just finished building.

The PVC is all 1-1/4" pipe and fittings.

The sockets are the construction sockets - rubberized with 6 inch wire leads.
Here is what one looks like. They fit perfectly in the 1-1/4" PVC tees.

waterproof socket.jpg

The orange cord is a cheap extension cord I cut up when I need a length.

cfl array1.pngcfl array2.png

Those are 42watt (150watt) 2700K bulbs, 2700 lumens.

A local grocery store was not going to carry them anymore and was dumping them for $3.74 each. I grabbed all they had.
 
420hydro

420hydro

Well-Known Member
I forgot, I still need to put a reflector on it. I have a 24-inch long 6-inch diameter piece of flue pipe I'm going to try to use.
 
electronug

electronug

Active Member
I think I'm going to use this setup to make a single bar of 6500K for my veg cabinet.

Possibly the best use of pigtail sockets and PVC I've ever seen.
 
2supra4u

2supra4u

Well-Known Member
I'm assuming you can rotate each light T right?

If you space out each T a bit more or even just add some small extensions, that thing would be bad ass with some individual reflectors on each bulb....then you can use it to cover a nice size area......and then even set it up between two rows and let each side illuminate a row.

Here's the reflectors I'm talking about....I swear by these mirrored-finish ones....I've used them with a 30w 6500k 2000Lu, to grow large healthy hardy lush green plants. I'm amazed what a single bulb and reflector is able to do when utilized properly. Couple of these could do a good size veg area no problem.

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calicatt79

calicatt79

Well-Known Member
2supra4u said:
I'm assuming you can rotate each light T right?

If you space out each T a bit more or even just add some small extensions, that thing would be bad ass with some individual reflectors on each bulb....then you can use it to cover a nice size area......and then even set it up between two rows and let each side illuminate a row.

Here's the reflectors I'm talking about....I swear by these mirrored-finish ones....I've used them with a 30w 6500k 2000Lu, to grow large healthy hardy lush green plants. I'm amazed what a single bulb and reflector is able to do when utilized properly. Couple of these could do a good size veg area no problem.

View attachment 2006468

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Click to expand...
those are awesome :)
 
420hydro

420hydro

Well-Known Member
Thanks guys. I love DIY and inventing. I would rather build it than buy it (even when it's cheaper...)

The pigtail sockets fitting perfectly in the 1-1/4" pvc tees is the key !!!! Make your frame any way you want it, from 4 lights on up and aligned the way you need.

Good luck.
 
iamgman

iamgman

Active Member
2supra4u said:
I'm assuming you can rotate each light T right?

If you space out each T a bit more or even just add some small extensions, that thing would be bad ass with some individual reflectors on each bulb....then you can use it to cover a nice size area......and then even set it up between two rows and let each side illuminate a row.

Here's the reflectors I'm talking about....I swear by these mirrored-finish ones....I've used them with a 30w 6500k 2000Lu, to grow large healthy hardy lush green plants. I'm amazed what a single bulb and reflector is able to do when utilized properly. Couple of these could do a good size veg area no problem.

View attachment 2006468

View attachment 2006469

View attachment 2006470

View attachment 2006471
Click to expand...
where can a guy find mirrored reflectors like this?
 
2supra4u

2supra4u

Well-Known Member
iamgman said:
where can a guy find mirrored reflectors like this?
Click to expand...
I got mine off ebay, years ago. I think they are photographic reflectors or something along those lines. I'm sure you can find them online. They are much better then those plain ones you can get that are a bit more wide, in my opinion at least
 
Silversun

Silversun

Active Member
420Hydro, what are the dims on that fixture, I would like to make one of my own and would like to use 10 bulbs, so I need to know if it will fit in my cab. Also how did you do the internal wiring? BTW, DIY is the only way to go, check out my DIY cab when you get a chance!
 
C

cofr

Member
420hydro said:
The sockets are the construction sockets - rubberized with 6 inch wire leads.
Here is what one looks like. They fit perfectly in the 1-1/4" PVC tees.
Click to expand...
This arrangement rocks. Is there any chance you could do a simple wiring diagram of how you connected all the wires for this setup. I'm sure you have a better solution than I will come up with on my own.
thanks! :peace: fran
 
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