is this safe

[Evgeni_Malkin]

I have a 1000W MH ballast sitting on two metal pieces that came with it and screwed onto a piece of plywood. Is this a fire issue the buld is on usually 18 hours a day and the wood seems to warm up from the bottom but never has it got really hot Probably around MAx-30degree C

 

[Guest]

I have seen surfaces (mine) lightly scorched from 1K ballasts. Find a small piece of sheet metal, steel or aluminum and set it on the wood shelf you have. I use HardiBoard (cement based product) beneath mine as a safety factor.

tystik

 

[Evgeni_Malkin]

thanks Ty
Probably gona put something under it tommorow. I got some glass laying around like thick China plates you think that would be OK!?

 

[yamaha_1fan]

No fire yet after 8 months

You could drill holes to allow heat to escape, or put something under the metal rails to raise the ballasts and allow an air gap.

I have thrown plywood into a burn pit with a raging fire going and I still have to put gas on the wood to get it to burn. I think the risk of a ballast making the wood catch on fire is pretty low.

 

[Evgeni_Malkin]

Nice clean Set up Yamaha

Yea I guess after 18 hours if it only gets to a certain temperature it most likely will not go any higher causing fire.

But i guess its always better to be safe then blah blah

How many watts you got going there Yamaha, what your electrical bill like. I am paying like 340$/month canadian with only 2k ( 1 running 12 hours and the other 15)

 

[donpuro]

I would definitely use some metal to cover the wood... I decided to just use two bread pans from walmart.. works GREAT! (must have intake and exhaust + fan if you use the top)

 

[Evgeni_Malkin]

Donpuro, did you cover the entire ballast with bread pans and cut some holes in it or something to that extent and made yourself a box for your ballast?

Or did you cover some wood with the bread pans and place the ballast ontop of that.

A question???? Would it be dangerous to use certain metals as a base for your ballast, would there be any electrical tranfer? I wouldnt want the pans becomming a grounding source for my ballast.

 

[Guest]

Not to worry, the ballast box is metal. Isn't it?????

Peace of Mind, just do it, and sleep well. If you don't you will always be worrying and wondering about it. It is a very inexpensive measure on the side of safety.

tystik

If I get around to it I will take and post a picture of the scorched VAT (viny asbestos flooring tiles) where a 1K ballast sat many years ago.

 

[excalibud7]

no fire yet

 

[JohnnyToke]

I use a piece of gypsum sheetrock used for drywalling to sit my ballast on in the attic.

regards,
JT

 

[yamaha_1fan]

Nice clean Set up Yamaha

Yea I guess after 18 hours if it only gets to a certain temperature it most likely will not go any higher causing fire.

But i guess its always better to be safe then blah blah

How many watts you got going there Yamaha, what your electrical bill like. I am paying like 340$/month canadian with only 2k ( 1 running 12 hours and the other 15)

Each ballast is 1K, total of 9000. My last bill was $850 including the normal house stuff

 

[Evgeni_Malkin]

What is the most important fire safety measure that should be taken?

I think having all electrical wiring nicely covered with nuts and electric tape, because I shocked myself with a bare wire and burned it pritty good but luckly nothing worse.

Got my hydro bill for this month WOW 465 dollars. 65 KWH or something.

SOmethings Up the Hydro company is jacking me. I talked to a few electrcians about bypassing the meter and having some free electrcity for my grow room. Will post pictures soon as I start getting it done.

 

[~fvk~]

I'd say it's safer than stealing electricity by a little bit.. Good luck guy, you're gonna need it.

 

[Northern_Greens]

I talked to a few electrcians about bypassing the meter and having some free electrcity for my grow room. Will post pictures soon as I start getting it done.

WORST idea ever
too many busts in the news have that as one of the major factors in getting busted


N_G

 

[who me]

Only break one law at a time.............
Stealing power is asking to get popped