Yet another DIY flip box

Hey Guys,

Just wanted to share my flip box with you. Keep in mind that I am not finished with it since I am waiting on the lamp cords to come in, along with the (6) cord grip connectors.

I will be using (2) 220 volt ballasts, hence the reason I am using (2) relays for (2) ballast (it is safer to do it this way instead of connecting one of the 220 volt wires while the other wire remains hot). Needless to say, I will be flipping 2 ballasts to 4 HPS bulbs.

Also, I am still debating whether to use adjustable delay-on-make relays (ICM Time Delay Relay) for each relay, or just 'hot-flip'. Any thoughts on this?

Also, is there a need to drill holes in this box to increase airflow or do these relays get hot enough to justify drilling holes in the box?

For those who are wondering, the part number for these flip relays is 5X847 (these are 'Dayton' brand, yet most of these types of relays are all made in China with each company putting their name on them. I buy local so I can exchange parts in a timely manner while they're under warranty).

Comments? Questions?

if you've got magnetic ballasts, then just hot flip. some digitals don't like hotflipping.

i used the same 5X847 relays in my 20 light flip box.

forgot to post the pics

forgot to post the pics

thanks!

thanks!

whatthe215 said:

if you've got magnetic ballasts, then just hot flip. some digitals don't like hotflipping.

i used the same 5X847 relays in my 20 light flip box.

Click to expand...

Thank you whatthe215! Do you run magnetic ballasts? If so, what type/brand? I'm on the fence between the two types of ballasts (electronic or magnetic). I'm leaning towards magnetic, from your input, and because of their track record. Also, I've heard they have no issue hot-flipping.

redclayguerilla said:

I will be using (2) 220 volt ballasts, hence the reason I am using (2) relays for (2) ballast (it is safer to do it this way instead of connecting one of the 220 volt wires while the other wire remains hot). Needless to say, I will be flipping 2 ballasts to 4 HPS bulbs.

Click to expand...

You are correct in that you should break both hot legs when switching 240v, but for a flip you will be switching the ballast output not the input. You only need to switch the input (line side) if you want to do a cold flip. Perhaps I am misunderstanding you, but it sounds as though you might be planning on switching the wrong circuit.

rives said:

You are correct in that you should break both hot legs when switching 240v, but for a flip you will be switching the ballast output not the input. You only need to switch the input (line side) if you want to do a cold flip. Perhaps I am misunderstanding you, but it sounds as though you might be planning on switching the wrong circuit.

Click to expand...

Rives,

I plan on switching the lamp cords going from one bulb to the other bulb; not switch the power to the ballasts ON/OFF. The ballasts will remain on 24/7 with the relay moving power from one bulb to the other bulb every 12 hours.

Thank you for your input! I really appreciate it!

redclayguerilla said:

Thank you whatthe215! Do you run magnetic ballasts? If so, what type/brand? I'm on the fence between the two types of ballasts (electronic or magnetic). I'm leaning towards magnetic, from your input, and because of their track record. Also, I've heard they have no issue hot-flipping.

Click to expand...

i'm running 17 Miami 1kw ballasts right now. i inherited them through another spot i broke down, i didn't choose em. they were used for a year and i've had 3 break already so i wouldn't necessarily recommend them.

but magnetics often come with a warranty so you can return em if/when they break, and if not they are cheap to fix. $30-40 to replace the ignitor and capacitor.

i prefer magnetics because they're cheap, easy to fix and can hotflip. but they put off a good amount of heat, i had 12 in an extremely ventilated (1800CFM) room and it still got unreasonably hot. i moved em to the attic a couple days ago and all is well now.

make sure your crimps are tight as all hell if using a traditional cheapo wire stripper crimper tool. i need to ask Rives about his opinion on cheapo crimpers vs. ratcheting crimpers ($80.)

whatthe215 said:

i'm running 17 Miami 1kw ballasts right now. i inherited them through another spot i broke down, i didn't choose em. they were used for a year and i've had 3 break already so i wouldn't necessarily recommend them.

but magnetics often come with a warranty so you can return em if/when they break, and if not they are cheap to fix. $30-40 to replace the ignitor and capacitor.

i prefer magnetics because they're cheap, easy to fix and can hotflip. but they put off a good amount of heat, i had 12 in an extremely ventilated (1800CFM) room and it still got unreasonably hot. i moved em to the attic a couple days ago and all is well now.

make sure your crimps are tight as all hell if using a traditional cheapo wire stripper crimper tool. i need to ask Rives about his opinion on cheapo crimpers vs. ratcheting crimpers ($80.)

Click to expand...

Thank you Whatthe215