C.A.P. MLC advice

[toranaga]

I have a CAP mlc-8.
I have a 50 amp circuit existing in my house.
The CAp is rated @ 40 amps.
Can I use the CAp on my 50 amp circuit or should I swap the 50 amp circuit for a 40 amp circuit?


thanks for your time.

 

[sparkjumper]

You can use it on a 50A circuit with no problem if it's rated at 40 amps.You can underrate a device for a particular circuit you just cant overrate it.

 

[YosemiteSam]

In fact...it is prudent to only load a circuit at 80% of its rating. You should be good to go

 

[toranaga]

Thanks for the replies.
ok I got it hooked up.


There is a problem.
here is my power chain.
50 amp on breaker runs about 30 feet to the basement.
The wire from the breaker is hooked up directly to the C.A.P.
I have a step down transformer(750w)
25 foot extension cord to the room with the 600w or 400w lamp..

when I power on the lamp, it gets power, but it flashes on and off.


I am thinking it was the transformer, but i tried three and all w/ the same result.

Maybe it is the extension cord from the step down transformer to the room?
The extension cord seems like it might not be heavy duty enough.

any ideas? I need help

 

[toranaga]

anyone have any ideas?

 

[Bozo]

Will it fire and stay lit with a shorter lamp cord? Will it fire and stay lit plugged into outlet besides the controller?
Some ballasts dont like a long lamp cords.Bulb flicking sounds like a ballast problem not a problem with controller .Check the controller output with a meter make sure it is getting full voltage

 

[nephilthim]

I would say ditch the extension cords get the appropriate sized electrical line considering voltage drop if (sparkjumper will correct me if I am wrong on anything)more than a 100 feet from panel if so size down one gauge 8 to 6
the extension cords could be bad or you are having voltage drop on multiple connections from source i dunno.hopefully you have appropriate sized extension cords
also you may want to check your connections (power off)inside of mlc make sure nothing loosened up on relays.If so rewrapp wire on terminal from bottom of O=terminal so If O is terminal start at 6 (if terminal were clock)wrap
around terminal clockwise untill at least 2 oclock better to 4 and tighten very securely!!these connections can loosen up if not tightened properly.
i am bit of greenhorn so listend to anything sparkjumper or anything any other licensed electrician has to say also look at philthys guide to wiring.hope this helps

 

[toranaga]

the lamp fires when plugged in elswhere.

The wire from the board to the mlc is legit.

I will try a heavier extension cord from the mlc to the ballast

thanks for the replies