Is this an accident waiting to happen?!

[Stonefree69]

Here's Dx Hydro's basic controller:

Similar to Ecoplus from Sunlight Supply w/120v trigger. Don't know what's wired w/internals. His other models don't seem to use the economy model's 120v trigger.

Also "All outlets 240 Volt standard* Uses regular 120-volt type plugs so you don't need to change cords for 240-volt operation. (can be wired for 120-volts)" You can upgrade to 240v outlets like in most of his models.


And here's the model I'm considering, sans 120v trigger plug and w/onboard digital timer(s):

Thanks Hammerhead, I'll make a note of that and let Mr. Dx know! Maybe the basic model isn't code compliant?

 

[Hammerhead]

I purchased the Basic controller. You can not have a 30 breaker feeding 120v receptacles...Wont pass code..No sperate box for the relay wont pass code. Recpticals are the china cheap ones needs to be upgraded to industrial or 5-20r and 6-20r

 

[Stonefree69]

Thanks again Hammerhead, my bro-in-law runs an electrical contracting business. He put in the electrical/lights for the Grand Canyon skywalk, also installs solar/wind systems. BUSY person, but I'll get his feedback as well.

 

[Hammerhead]

He will say that there code compliant but his interpretation of the code is incorect IMO.. ..

 

[Stonefree69]

I wonder how these Powerbox controllers are. They look good and neat, but 1 review says it's flimsy and unreliable but that's just one review, other reviews aren't complaining:

 

[Stonefree69]

I wonder how these Powerbox controllers are. They do look put together well, doesn't come with breakers - you can hardwire w/1 40 amp double pole breaker on your main panel and use 8 gauge wire or use dryer outlet. Monstergardens also has a video: PowerBox DPC 7500 - Product REVIEW and Horticulture Source has them.

Or I could get 1 each of these for 120v and 240v lights, one click timer set:

They also have environmental and CO2 controllers. C.A.P. makes light controllers as well. Just want to upgrade stuff to code and is reliable, decisions decisions.

 

[Billy Ocean]

Im sorry you are sensitive.

.

Simply amazed when the board heavyweights reveal a soft inner side! Wanna say thanks to those who continually protect the safety of our community...tough enough growin a weed, but the amperage is crucial !!

Always peacin wit homies

 

[jm420]

I wonder how these Powerbox controllers are. They look good and neat, but 1 review says it's flimsy and unreliable but that's just one review, other reviews aren't complaining:

View Image

I'll take my powerbox over That dx unit
"Flimsy and unreliable" I gotta disagree on that statement

 

[Iron_Lion]

Its a subpanel, IL. How do you suspect they are separating the feed between the 10 amp single-pole and the other breakers? The timer plugs into a wall receptacle, the trigger cord plugs into the timer, the other end of the cord drives the power relay which happily resides (illegally) inside the panel.

http://sunlightsupply.com/p-11312-30-amp-lighting-controller.aspx

I stopped caring about this yesterday. Luckily I never have to worry about shoddy workmanship and code violations. If I ever needed one I'd just build my own.

I'll leave y'all to figure it out.

 

[Stonefree69]

I'll take my powerbox over That dx unit
"Flimsy and unreliable" I gotta disagree on that statement

I'd agree looks like a nice unit. The Powerbox DPC-7500-COMBO-4P I listed above has no breakers, Dan @ Dx Hydro says on his site it's better to also have breakers in controller/subpanel for extra safety (in addition to breaker on main or dryer outlet). This could help protect the 120v leg. Then again I could hear someone say "it's redundant".

The Solatel above would put 120v and 240v outlets on separate circuits right off the main panel. 120v box handles 15 amps total, guess good enough for pumps... I also like their "one set" timer. The C.A.P. MLC-4XT and MLC-8XT controllers are 240v only but costs less. I could also get 2 different controllers from Dx Hydro, 1 120v and 1 240v to run off different breakers on the main panel.

At least we're all talking about safety, not some naive growers who could end up w/ball lightning up their arse.

 

[rives]

Stonefree, if you aren't interested in building one up yourself (it is pretty simple to do), then DX is a good option. You just need to do your homework so that you can tell him what you want, and at the head of that list is that you want it to be fully code compliant. He will customize your unit however you like where the other companies cannot. Most of these are going to cut costs wherever they can to optimize profits, and they are all in competition with each other, so if you want something better you will need to go the semi-custom route.

 

[Stonefree69]

Stonefree, if you aren't interested in building one up yourself (it is pretty simple to do), then DX is a good option. You just need to do your homework so that you can tell him what you want, and at the head of that list is that you want it to be fully code compliant. He will customize your unit however you like where the other companies cannot. Most of these are going to cut costs wherever they can to optimize profits, and they are all in competition with each other, so if you want something better you will need to go the semi-custom route.

Yup rives and you do excellent work yourself. I don't know about DIY being code compliant and that's a priority. Like I said my bro-in-law is a top notch electrical contractor but hard to get a hold of these days, also doesn't live in town. Well for me anyway, looks like Dx Hydro controller or maybe separate dedicated 120v and 240v controllers. I'm also going to talk with him about getting separate 120v and 240v controllers as those ground loops can be sneaky like you said.