Light controllers & dual ballasts... quick questions.

[mikeross]

I am planning a 4800watt setup consisting of 8-600's. I was planning to run 8-600watt lumatek ballast and control my lights with the Cap MLC-8t.

I have come across these dual 600watt lumatek ballasts and I would save a little bit of money buying 4 dual ballast as opposed to buying 8 regular ballast.

Now my question is regarding the light controller. If I were to buy the dual ballast does that mean I only need a cap MLC-4t? Can the MLC-4t handle that much power.

Also any comments on these dual ballast? Are they proven and as reliable as a regular 600 lumatek ballast?

thanks

 

[noone88]

I would buy the MLC-8 (8k watts). Cost difference is small. I use the Sentinel light controller

I have close to an identical setup (10x600) dual lumateks.

I have had no problems with the 220 volt dual 600 watt lumateks so far (one cycle finished).

Be sure to pair the lumateks with the correct bulbs. Ushio bulbs seem to be preferred.

I had a lot of problems (bulbs exploding) pairing 1k watt Hortilux with 120 volt Lumateks.

 

[mikeross]

I would buy the MLC-8 (8k watts). Cost difference is small. I use the Sentinel light controller

I have close to an identical setup (10x600) dual lumateks.

I have had no problems with the 220 volt dual 600 watt lumateks so far (one cycle finished).

Be sure to pair the lumateks with the correct bulbs. Ushio bulbs seem to be preferred.

I had a lot of problems (bulbs exploding) pairing 1k watt Hortilux with 120 volt Lumateks.

I thought the dual Lumateks were 240volts not 220? After doing a little research I have found that amps=watts/volts so if I'm running 4800 watts divided by 240 that only give me 20amps. The mlc-4t is rated @ 30amps. Even if you factor 80% amps from the 30amp the controller can handle that leaves me with 24amps. So I figured with the 8 600's i'm only drawing 20 amps which is well below the safe point.

I don't know if I'm making any sense lol. I just figured if I'm running 4 dual ballast which would only have 4 cords combined why do I need to run the bigger mlc-8t.

can someone with electrical experience chim in. I have no clue what i'm talking about but in my head in makes sence hahaha.

 

[stillsmokin843]

not positive thought there 600 was 5.5 amps per but the other thing ya have to watch out for with electric is the draw or surge when something turns on it pulls more power so ya wouldnt want all the lights to come on at the same exact time. that being said im sure my lack of knowledge on the controllers they probaly offset te time so that doesnt happen good luck sorry not of much help