Can you run a 8 Light controller 30 amp service with 10 guage without using 8 lights?

[3FootPOW]

Hi,

I was wondering if I could run 5 or 6 lights in a 8 light Helios 12 controller with a 10-2 gauge wire and 30 amp breaker 220 V .

I know the controllers rated for 8 lights, but obv that would put me over the 6 light limit for the 10-2 wire and the 30 amp service.

Is it possible, or do I need to have a 4 box controller? I cant find any 6 box controllers for 30 amp service which is why I was thinking this way? would it mess up any internalls on the Helios from this wiring plan?

Thanks

3 foot

 

[Redbuddz]

If you're running 1000w lamps I would not put more then 5 lamps on that 30 amp circuit.
I'm unfamiliar with the helios 12 controller

 

[3FootPOW]

ok, so 5 lamps. Which would work good.

But on a 8 light controller can I use it for just 5 and get away with running the 30 amp service? Or does the box somehow "know" or possibly mess up if I do less than the 6 gauge wiring and 30 amp breaker?

 

[Cartel530]

you will be fine


pulling less power through the box will be fine as the box is rated for higher then what you will be using so you wont be exceeding the limits of the wiring used in the box.. the only time its a problem is when you are trying to pull more then what the box is rated for as the wiring wouldnt be the right gauge. Remeber when its a constant circuit that your not supposed to pull more then 80% of the rated amps. In your case you wouldnt want to pull more then 24amps on the 30amp sizing (breakers and wiring) so in reality you woulnt wanna pull more then 4 lights off that circuit not 5 or 6 like stated before ( most ballasts on 240v consume around 5.5 amps.. 4 lights would put you at 22amps)

 

[Pro Headies]

Run 8/2 wire with 40amp breaker to get your 6 lights to work. Helios is rated up to 50amp so at 40amp you can run 6 lights with no issues. Id personally run 6gauge with a 50 amp so if i wanted to i could run all 8 spots if need be.

 

[3FootPOW]

thanks fellas

 

[hvac guy]

That unit is not NEC/CEC compliant and is a potential fire hazard, the rating on the receptacles is 15A yet it's wired to a 2 pole 50A breaker, each receptacle should be protected by a 15A breaker.

 

[DemonTrich]

^^^^
exactly why Im getting a custom made box from a QUALIFIED grower/electrician. ive read a lot of horror stories from these grow store bought light controllers.

40 amp, 4 220v plugs with timer. running 6ga as I need my wire from panel to controller to be 40'. my grow is on the opposite side of my panel.