Truu's electrical help thread.

Howdy folks.

This thread will be dedicated to any of your electrical needs. Whether it be a question about your growing setup, or if you just need help around the house. I have many years of electrical experience in residential, commercial, and industrial fields.

Just ask your question as detailed as possible, throw in some pics if needed. The more info I can get, the better I can understand what you need. It is also a good idea to let me know if you are from over seas, for I am not lol.

 

[Bud Bundy]

Im about to start a new project using a 4 light vanity with Y adapters to make it 8. Im not to electrical inclined so i will probably be coming to you for help. One question i have right off the bat is what should i use to connect the lights so that they can be plugged in. Should i use an old computer power cord and strip the male end? or should i use a store bought extension cord and if so what gauge?
Yes you can. I found that keyboards sells a 6' pigtail with 3 prong outlet on one end and bare wires at other end. 5 bucks. I can't make cords that cheap I buy those. They are heavy duty and heavier gauge wire than a computer supply cord.

thankss!

 

[Bud Bundy]

Not keyboard. Menards and it's 12gauge. Not 14gauge like most comp supply cords

 

[hankthinksdifferent]

I have a 400w ballast that was running a 400w lucagrow tubular when given to me. when it blew for the first time after a few weeks, i switched the emergency veging' light ( fat oval shaped bulb i presume was 400w, also given to me )
I ordered a replacement 400w lucagrow HPS and it fired away nicely, though today i checked and it was off, with the ballast just clicking over..
i cooled the ballast for 15 minutes and tried the bulb again but nothing but the same clicking sound, yet when i switch back to the oval veging bulb that still works. ? timers and everything are fine. just this ballast after only 24 hours with the new bulb doesn't seem to want to power it up. its the exact same model bulb as was in it when given to me, and like i say worked fine for a day or two. the ballast is well aired and cooled and puts off very little heat, and still works with other bulbs.

im 99% certain the lucagrow bulb is fine, and the ballast still works, ( though it takes a few clicks to get the light started )

any ideas ??

cheers in advance !

 

[hankthinksdifferent]

I have a 400w ballast that was running a 400w lucagrow tubular when given to me. when it blew for the first time after a few weeks, i switched the emergency veging' light ( fat oval shaped bulb i presume was 400w, also given to me )
I ordered a replacement 400w lucagrow HPS and it fired away nicely, though today i checked and it was off, with the ballast just clicking over..
i cooled the ballast for 15 minutes and tried the bulb again but nothing but the same clicking sound, yet when i switch back to the oval veging bulb that still works. ? timers and everything are fine. just this ballast after only 24 hours with the new bulb doesn't seem to want to power it up. its the exact same model bulb as was in it when given to me, and like i say worked fine for a day or two. the ballast is well aired and cooled and puts off very little heat, and still works with other bulbs.

im 99% certain the lucagrow bulb is fine, and the ballast still works, ( though it takes a few clicks to get the light started )

any ideas ??

cheers in advance !

was this the wrong place to post this up ?

 

[iloveweed]

Hi

Please could you inform me if this variac http://www.wattbits.com/2f-1.html is suitable to use with fan http://www.gil-lec.co.uk/manrose-mf100s-4-inch-inline-fan ?

Many thanks in advance

 

[iloveweed]

Is this thread still active??

 

[Bully]

Looks like all the electricians have went away from this thread.

 

[KapScot]

I think one of the things that 'might' put people off replying to OP queeries here would be the - OMG what if I got it wrong factor.

I'd happily rewire my own (insert) - house, shed or other structure but am more reluctant to hand out 'advice' in case (a) I get some calc totally wrong and burn out a circuit (or worse your home) or (b) specify something that perhaps isn't permitted by regulation in your country (tho as i'm UK/EU I doubt anything would be).

Perhaps we should have a Modders and Builders section just focusing on 'builds' into which electrical would 'fit'.

It might attract the people with the right technical knowledge.

 

[wwwillie]

We're still here. Sup??

 

[Budson 420]

Hey sparkies of AFN!
I have a 250w ballast and hps light, my "run of the mill" wall timer doesn't work on such a light but worked fine for my CFL's, so I'm guessing the old timer can't handle the amount of power being drawn through it, would this be suitable for a 250w? I'm switching to a 600w once the weather cools down so it'll also have to be able to power that light https://pakenhamhydroponics.com.au/hydroponic-digital-timer-30-amp-relay.html
I don't wanna waste $40 and find it doesn't work, so just after someone that can assure me it'll work with the 600w