I need a little bit of help please...

[PuReKnOwLeDgE]

Ok here is my question:


What sized circuit breaker do you wire a Green-Air LT4-120 timer into?
It supplys a max of 40 amps, and comes with a 8-3 awg wire. It takes 120 in and puts out 120. Single pole 40 amp breaker right? Isn't that to close to the 40? This thing came with shitty directions, and don't worry, I am not installing it just buying the breaker. I appreciate any feedback asap please.

 

[EvilTwin]

PuRe,
You're asking the wrong question. What you should be asking is...I'm running X number of lights and fans. What size breaker do I need?

You can use that timer with any breaker up to 40amp. What do you want to plug into it? With 8 guage wire, if you can find a 30amp breaker, you should be covered. If you're using more power then that...you should be going with 220V
ET

 

[PharmaCan]

You can't just change the breaker on a circuit and think it will work properly. Putting a larger breaker on a circuit is particularly hazardous. Wires and circuit breakers are sized to compliment each other. While a 20 amp breaker will work fine with #12 wire, put a 40 amp breaker on that line and try to draw 30-40 amps through it and you are going to run into some major problems. Conceivably the wire could melt before the circuit breaks.

PC

 

[EvilTwin]

You can't just change the breaker on a circuit and think it will work properly. Putting a larger breaker on a circuit is particularly hazardous. Wires and circuit breakers are sized to compliment each other. While a 20 amp breaker will work fine with #12 wire, put a 40 amp breaker on that line and try to draw 30-40 amps through it and you are going to run into some major problems. Conceivably the wire could melt before the circuit breaks.

PC

PharmaCan,
I have no idea what you're talking about. The breaker fits into the box making direct contact with the main bus. There are no wires upstream from the breaker. The wire attaches to the breaker...not the other way around.

So of course you can upgrade a breaker box with a larger breaker.

PuRe...ignore this guys post. He knows not what he's talking about...
ET

 

[apartmentblower]

PharmaCan,
I have no idea what you're talking about. The breaker fits into the box making direct contact with the main bus. There are no wires upstream from the breaker. The wire attaches to the breaker...not the other way around.

So of course you can upgrade a breaker box with a larger breaker.

PuRe...ignore this guys post. He knows not what he's talking about...
ET

how does what PC said make no sense? he didnt ever imply what you said... if you disconnect a 20 amp breaker from the main panel and the circuit and pop in a 40 amp breaker in its place and keep all the same old wiring and then go ahead and start drawing that much amperage you are asking for a fire cause the old 20 amp breaker was probably setup with 12/3 wire while your new 40 amp breaker requires 8/3....

also, you said something about using 8 gauge wire and running a 30 amp breaker. im pretty sure every code book in existence says you use 10 gauge with 30 amp (and surely thats already slightly overkill for safety) , why would you get a bigger and harder to work with wire that can handle 40 amps when you are only going to draw max 30 amps?

anyways i think we are getting off track. The OP is asking what size breaker he needs and yes, you addressed it right when you said he needs to figure out how much hes going to draw. first off, if im wiring up a new circuit and timer to run a grow room id probably choose to run 240v.... why would you go to the trouble of putting in a new circuit for your grow room and then limit yourself by using 120v??? OP just get an intermatic grey box timer and run a 240v circuit like everyone else. 30 amps is good and the wires easy to work with, 40 is a bit more of a pain in the ass because of the gauge but its worth it if you are setting up a longterm grow room. it'll leave you with room for expansion.

im assuming you are wiring in a whole new circuit because i dont think 40amp 120v circuits are that common???? 240v 40amp for range/stove sure but ive never seen a 40amp 120v circuit. but then again i have no formal electrical training and nobody should ever take my advice. but from the sounds of it you are calling in an electrician so do yourself a favour and get a good 240v 40amp timer like the "little grey box" and get him to wire in at least a 30 amp but you might as well do 40 if a pro is doing the job. or better yet learn to do it yourself, its not that hard, the only hard part is figuring out how to snake your wire through the wall from the breaker to the grow room.

 

[EvilTwin]

Apartmentblower,
Within the context of PuRe's question, PCs post didn't make any sense. PuRe is looking for the correct breaker to plug his 40 am timer into. Nothing was said about using existing wiring.

I agree on the Intermatic timers. !/4 the price, but that's not what this guy has. And the reason I suggested a 30 amp is that I'm not really sure that 40am 110v breakers are available. And the timer came with 8 guage. Better err on the safe side.
ET

 

[apartmentblower]

Apartmentblower,
Within the context of PuRe's question, PCs post didn't make any sense. PuRe is looking for the correct breaker to plug his 40 am timer into. Nothing was said about using existing wiring.

I agree on the Intermatic timers. !/4 the price, but that's not what this guy has. And the reason I suggested a 30 amp is that I'm not really sure that 40am 110v breakers are available. And the timer came with 8 guage. Better err on the safe side.
ET

yep your right. i think its very strange to wire up a grow room on a dedicated circuit with 120v either way. hes only going to be able to run 3 1k bulbs on 120v before pretty much using up the circuits safe capacity. itd be better for him to forget about that timer and get a good 240v 40 amp one and run at least 30 amps @ 240v

at least if hes running 240v to an intermatic timer and hes got all 120v ballasts he can wire up the timer to output 120v, which at least leaves him the option of running 240v in the future by just rewiring the timer rather than replacing the circuit.


btw everything im saying ive book-learned myself and gleaned from other members here. so i could be wrong somehow but i havent killed myself yet or burned anything down.

 

[PharmaCan]

PharmaCan,
I have no idea what you're talking about. The breaker fits into the box making direct contact with the main bus. There are no wires upstream from the breaker. The wire attaches to the breaker...not the other way around.

So of course you can upgrade a breaker box with a larger breaker.

PuRe...ignore this guys post. He knows not what he's talking about...
ET

Once the breaker is mounted in the panel, wtf do you think happens from there? A wire is attached to it! That wire then goes to a receptacle or directly to an appliance. Nothing is "plugged into" a breaker. Things are "wired" to a breaker.

The timer could be wired directly to a new breaker, but that did not appear to be the situation here. Perhaps it is, but the question is a little short on facts.

Perhaps if you had a little better understanding of electrical matters, and a better understanding of how to clearly and concisely determine precisely what it is that a person is trying to determine before answering their questions, you might not come across as such an ass.

I could be wrong about the OP's original question, and maybe I didn't properly understand what he was asking, but the information I gave is solid and a you really look like a dimwit with your stupid remarks. I assure you, I've done one helluva lot more wiring than you've ever dreamed of. If you have a question about something I've written, I'll be happy to discuss or debate it with you, in an intelligent manner. But don't go around making statements like this. It's uncalled for and will just result in an argument which you will lose.

PC

 

[PuReKnOwLeDgE]

Sorry to be short on facts guys, I appreciate all the feedback. I did get the timer up and running today. The timer comes with 8 gauge wire witha 40 amp max, I ran the timer to a junction box outside the room, grounded it out there, and continued with 8 gauge wire to a single pole 40 amp breaker I am running 4 1000 watt hps on this timer, that is its max. Everything is nice and smooth Thanks again for all your input. Oh and pharma is right don't upgrade breakers, upgrade your wiring with it. I didn't do this on my own I had some experienced but non-licensed reliable help. The thing just came with shit directions and we neded clarification. I found a electrical expert at a local grow shop and had him clarify that I needed a 40 amp single pole. I looked all over town, every supply store, wholesaler, no one stocks single pole 40amp breakers. Then I went to a local hardware store that is so jam packed it gives you a headache to look for something, I just ask. We found what i needed, blew the dust off of it and was on my way : )

 

[apartmentblower]

dude 4 1000s at 120v will draw 40amps...

the breaker will trip instantly... either u are confused and giving wrong info or you are going to be really dissapointed when you plug ur ballasts in and you hear a pop

 

[EvilTwin]

dude 4 1000s at 120v will draw 40amps...

the breaker will trip instantly... either u are confused and giving wrong info or you are going to be really dissapointed when you plug ur ballasts in and you hear a pop

AB..
That's a sophisticated and expensive hydro timer which claims that you can run 4 1k lights on it. It may have delayed start so that all four initial starting surges don't occur at the same time. But then again, you could be right. It's really pushing it though.

Best of luck PuRe because I'm afraid you may need it. If you do have a problem, go with a second Instamatic 40amp timer like PharmaCan suggested. You can find them for around $40-50. Or add a second circuit and run some relays off your fancy timer to keep everything timed exactly the same.
ET

 

[Mickymouse]

Listen to PC he knows his shit.I have a question though.Running 4 1ks on a single 120v line.even if wire size and everything is good whouldnt your load be unbalanced unless your running 4 1ks on the oppisite 120v.this is not very efficent.

 

[PuReKnOwLeDgE]

All 4 lights do work with no pop No warm wires, no other lights or anything else on other circuits flicker, nothing. A 1000 watt light runs at 9.5 amps, that means I am running a total of 38 amps on a 40 amp timer. It is over the 75-85% useage mark, but this is the way the product was designed, and is being used as intended. It has a 40 amp max and comes with a 8 gauge wire, that tells you right there that it should be hooked to a 40 amp, and its 120 so a single pole.


From green air:

The LT4-120 is a premium quality heavy duty timer switch primarily designed for 120 volt lighting operation. The LT-4 provides four (4) grounded 120 volt outlets suitable for up to 1000 watts each receptacle. The unit comes with 10 feet of #8 type SO wire and is capable of 40 amperes current load.

Timers

LIGHTING CONTROLLERS


These time switches are designed to operate high load lighting equipment. It consists of a premium quality precision synchronous clock motor and a high amperage switching circuit. All Green Air Products controllers are housed in black anodized brush finish aluminum enclosures which can not break, chip or corrode. Operates with a maximum combined outlet switching capacity of 40 amps. Plug or wire the power cord into a receptacle capable of handling the maximum total combined amperage draw of your equipment load. Make certain that the receptacle, wiring and circuit breaker are adequate and properly suited for this application.

 

[EvilTwin]

Very Happy to hear that PuRe...
I was surprised that you found that 40amp breaker. Not an everyday item. So now you're ready to grow.

Going with large plants, sog or what? With 1000s you should get good light penetration so large plants would keep your numbers down.

Good luck to you,
ET

 

[PuReKnOwLeDgE]

24 bucket recirc DWC balzeoneup style with slight modifications, thanks evil

 

[apartmentblower]

AB..
That's a sophisticated and expensive hydro timer which claims that you can run 4 1k lights on it. It may have delayed start so that all four initial starting surges don't occur at the same time. But then again, you could be right. It's really pushing it though.

Best of luck PuRe because I'm afraid you may need it. If you do have a problem, go with a second Instamatic 40amp timer like PharmaCan suggested. You can find them for around $40-50. Or add a second circuit and run some relays off your fancy timer to keep everything timed exactly the same.
ET

Whatt?? so that timer can let you run almost max amperage and not just 85%???? would a regular timer just let it trip? and this green-aire somehow prevents the breaker from tripping? im quite amazed

 

[EvilTwin]

Apartmentblower,
Please note my use of the word "may". I couldn't confirm that that specific times has delayed start...but I know that some do. But the manufacturers blurb does specifically say it will handle 4 1k lights. Look it up. And PuRe has started the lights and didn't trip anything.
ET