DIY Dryer/Outlet Box

[Guest]

Well, needed a outlet box that I could run four 600HPS 240 ballast off of. I wanted to plug into a dryer outlet. That being the simplest and easiest way to tap into a 240 volt source. Not wanting to pull a new line, so I can get up and running quickly with a new grow. This is what I can up with. If anyone see's something wrong with my work. Please feel free to explain and let me know.
Thank you,
BG

Warning​

Please do not try this at home. If you don't understand or know what your doing. Don't got trying this and get yourself killed. This is 240 volts and will mess you up or even end your life. Anyone trying to follow this thread does so at their own risk. I am not going to be responsible for someone getting cooked.

Supplies

1) 6 foot dryer cord. ($12.87)
2) NEMA 6-15R Female Receptacle (22.00)
1) 4" Square Box, 2 1/8" Depth. ($2.32)
1) 4" Exposed Work Cover 2 D ($1.88)
1) 3/4" cable clamp. ($3.82)
1) roll of wire, small. Used 10 gauge. Had already
4) wire terminal connector's, Had already

Total $ 42.89

 

[vodoochild]

Thanks for the thread, hopefully i can convert mine too. nice looking box.

 

[Guest]

Nice And the dryer can still be used during the dark period.

 

[gdawg]

nice work gold.

 

[Guest]

Thanks everyone. I'm about to start a ballast thread also. How to build a ballast from a kit. I'll make sure to link that thread also. Once i get a unit up and running. I'll post some pictures of this dryer unit working. Sorry, about the shitty pictures. My camera is acting up and might be dieing.

Thanks Ty-stik, I was thinking the same thing. Keeps the outlet in full use and I'm keeping the dryer also.

Thanks Vodoo, and good luck with your project.

Thanks gdawg

stick around and I'll post some pictures once I fire up the ballast unit.
Take care,
BG

 

[Guest]

Well, for those that are following this thread. I test fired the unit and it works. I knew it would, since I used my meter to test the outlets. Well, this weekend I built a new light system from parts. I'll do a thread on that one later on, but I test fired a 600HPS ballast with a cool tube and it works great.

I'm very happy with this little unit and it should help me nicely. Always nice, to know you can use a dryer outlet and not have to pull a new line.
Take care,
BG

 

[masterlow37]

Nice GDW, how will you use a timer for all 4 lights ?


Thanx

 

[Buzzsmirk!]

nice thread "GDW"

what about a ground bond to that 4square back box, ur illustrated setup does not show this as it relies on the ground con on the recep to bond with the raised cover and then the back box??
not the safest but still pretty safe!!
just my .02 worth
PEACE!
BUZZ!

 

[Guest]

Hey Masterlow, I'll most likely mount this unit to a small piece of 1/2" plywood and wire in a Intermatic Model: WH21 water heater timer. This will allow me to use all four outlets. If I go with a plug in timer. Then it will be all bunched up. Thanks for the question.
Take care,
BG


Buzzsmirk! Are you asking if I have a ground block in the unit? I'm planning on grounding the metal box out. If that's what your asking. The ground/neutral is hooked up to the outlet itself, but no. The box itself is not grounded out. I've still got some work to do on this unit. I'm going to wire in a timer, like I posted above. Any thoughts and help are most welcome. This thread is for all to post and learn in. Just trying to make the cheapest and safest unit for plugging into a dryer outlet. Thanks for stopping by.
Later,
BG

EDIT: Sorry, meant to say. I'm most likely going with this timer. Intermatic EH40 Energy Controls, Reason being, it's digital and I've heard the old WH timers make allot of noise. I've found these newer units for about 67 bucks online. Intermatic EH40 Energy Controls.
Take care,
BG

 

[Guest]

BG I've been using my WH40 on 3 1K vertizontals for a few years now,its silent except for the click of contacts when they make and break.I just love mechanical timers and don't trust digitals that much you may want to reconsider

 

[YwouldntI]

for sure hate digital units i only use mechanical as well

 

[Guest]

Hey guys and thanks for the info on the timers. I think I will give them a try and see if I like them. For some reason, if they are to loud. I'll just replace them with a digital. I'll pick one up at lowes and get a piece of 1/2" plywood and finish my project.

I think this little unit will work well for those. Who can not pull a new line and like someone already posted. You can still use the dryer during the dark period. Well, thanks for the input and help.
Take care,
BG

PS, YwouldntI nice setup you got there. Thanks for the picture