120v outlet wired for 240v

[Norcalpurps]

i have a few electrical questions i need answers if you all dont mind helping that would be great. 1) Is it ok to have a 120v outlets wired for 240v but then still using a 120v cord pluged to a 240v ballast i heard this was a safe thing to do? i thought that 240v cords are alittle thicker then 120v cords. 2) if the first question is a safe setup then would it be safe to use a 120v timer? because the 120v cord being used with 240v ballast would not fit into a 240v timer. 3) ok last question i have a 1000w sun system i got from a friend and on the ballast it says both 120v/240v but only has 1 plug (no dual plugs like my other 120v/240v ballast i have) so is it ok to just use 120v cord into 120/240v outlet or do i have to open up the ballast and change 120v into 240v? thanks!!

 

[Eminem]

The first question I can answer. Yes you can use 120 rated/style outlets and wire them for 240. You can also use the 120 cord and use it for 240. The problem is once the HID is removed down the road, its possible for you to plug a 120 device in and possibly blow it up. Mark the outlet 240 so you know for the future

If I understand your question, no you cant use the 120 timer. You are running 240. If you want, you can get a contactor from an electrical supply house for less than $20 and use the 120 timer to trigger that. You can also use a Intermatic hot water timer but that will require cutting plugs, or a little extra wiring. Actually you could probably wire a male and female onto it.

Check the ballast for a switch. 120/240 ballasts switch a wire and thats usually done by using different outlets, or flipping a switch

 

[sparkjumper]

Good info pretty identical to mine huh Nc lol?Get the "little gray box" hot water heater timer I've used two for several years now with zero problems.If you're like me your lights will rarely if ever be unplugged.If you have unused 120V receptacles wired for 240V juist get a 120V receptacle plastic safety thingy thats used for child protection ya big kid

 

[Norcalpurps]

The first question I can answer. Yes you can use 120 rated/style outlets and wire them for 240. You can also use the 120 cord and use it for 240. The problem is once the HID is removed down the road, its possible for you to plug a 120 device in and possibly blow it up. Mark the outlet 240 so you know for the future

If I understand your question, no you cant use the 120 timer. You are running 240. If you want, you can get a contactor from an electrical supply house for less than $20 and use the 120 timer to trigger that. You can also use a Intermatic hot water timer but that will require cutting plugs, or a little extra wiring. Actually you could probably wire a male and female onto it.

Check the ballast for a switch. 120/240 ballasts switch a wire and thats usually done by using different outlets, or flipping a switch

i checked the ballast and the damn thing has no switch on it so im not sure what the heck to do with that situation i dont see why they would have 120v/240v on ballast and the only way to get it to 240 is by opening it up if thats the case they should have just left it as a 120v ballast. so im not sure ill check the ballast again.

 

[Norcalpurps]

thanks for the info. i think ima just go with the 240vhot water heater but i dont no how to hook the dang thing up so thats the next problem. i suck with wire work so im not even going to try i might blow my house up lol