MLC 8 40 amp

[Teeg420]

The instructions for the mlc 8 say to use a 40 amp breaker. Does that sound right? I know you never want to exceed 80% of the breakers capacity. Im using 1kw ballast, so 4.5 to 4.7 amps multiplied by 8 equals 36 to 37.6 and a 40 amp breaker at 80% of its load rate is 32 amps. So im confused are the cap instructions wrong? I don't want to start a fire. thanks.

 

[Danknuggler]

I see what your thinking but an electrician needs to come by an thoroughly explain how that all adds up but first of all your amp figures for a 1k are way off bro.1k's pull 9.5-10 amps.

 

[dj.scotfree]

9.5-10 amps? 1000 W/ 240V= 4.167 amps, @ 120 it is 8.334--- is the extra 1-2 amps for a buffer?

 

[dongle69]

The MLC 8 isn't necessarily meant for (8)1000 watters.
It is meant for up to 8 lights (like (8) 600's).
Or even a mix of whatever...
I use mine (240 volt version) with 6 - 1000's.

 

[Danknuggler]

Oh yeah huh you gotta run 240v on that controller total brain fart bro.
But still my 120v 1k says 9.5 amps and I believe most round up to 10 amps when making calculations.Maybe 1k electonic ballasts only pull your 8 sumthin amps?

 

[dongle69]

My ballasts are 240 volt, which are 4-4.5 amps.
The MLC-8 comes in 120 and 240 volt (outlet) versions.
They used to anyway.
I think they have a dual mode version now that runs either...

 

[Danknuggler]

I've been seriously thinking about getting an MLC 4 and running 4 600's.I've got the newer lumateks and nextgen 600's that run on 120/240 so I havent had to worry about that I can plug in anywhere its nice.Hey dongle did you get the MLC with the timer built in?I'm thinking going with the one w/o the built in incase it goes out.

 

[dongle69]

No built in timer for me.
I like digital timers.

 

[Danknuggler]

I have this nice digital Intermatic timer laying aroung would this work for me?

 

[djstiks]

i'm glad i found this thread. that oversight would of cause me to some headaches.

 

[Danknuggler]

My ballasts are 240 volt, which are 4-4.5 amps.
The MLC-8 comes in 120 and 240 volt (outlet) versions.
They used to anyway.
I think they have a dual mode version now that runs either...

I believe they now have a universal "x" type outlets so 120 or 240 plugs will fit.But yeah people gotta remember you cannot actually run your 120 ballast on it.I've talked to some who were real confused by CAP's description.

 

[dongle69]

I have this nice digital Intermatic timer laying aroung would this work for me?
View attachment 28120

Any 120 volt timer should work.

I believe they now have a universal "x" type outlets so 120 or 240 plugs will fit.But yeah people gotta remember you cannot actually run your 120 ballast on it.I've talked to some who were real confused by CAP's description.

From the manual:
Note: Although this MLC can be wired for 120 volt operation and used in conjunction
with a 120 volt ballast, this is not an optimal combination and reduces the number of
ballasts that can be ran with this MLC.
They do also say in the manual that you can run (8) 1000 watters (240 volt).
So no limitations in the unit itself for the 80% rule...
It is up to the user if you want to run ~36 amps (240 volt) or so on a 40 amp breaker...
I guess with nice, short wiring it would be fine.
The important limitation of the unit is 15 amps (at either voltage) max per pair of outlets, which means only (4) 1000 at 120 volts can be used.

 

[Danknuggler]

Oh thanks thats good to know.You are really killer for real info bro.And that 6000 watt room is sick too.

 

[sparky101]

Like all CAP, most of their units are crap and build as cheap as possible. Check out powerboxinc units and see how they try running 15KVA on a 50A 2-pole breaker. Up to 15 items all powered off one main breaker. You need to have a lighting controller built that is within electrical code requirements. Those CAP MLC-16 and MLC-24 should be using 25A 2-pole breakers for 4 x 1000W ballasts. You get what you pay for.....CHEAP.


sparky101

 

[2uptown]

sparky is right on the money!! cap = crap. you can hear the contacts when they turn on and off like a pop and slap. i wouldnt run that crap for nothing. just my two cents. ive owned a cap 16 and it sucked, loud as hell dont waste your money. much better load centers available for the money. good luck...

 

[Teeg420]

that pop and slap is the contactor right? My friend had an electrician wire up his room and they used contactors i dont know who the manufacturer is. He tells me his is pretty loud as well.

 

[mrdizzle]

8 lights on the MCL8 will flip the breaker, i even called the cap and they told me it would only be pulling 32amps, flipped the breaker twice, so i bought another mcl4( right after selling the one I had)

I would hook up 2 mcl 4's instead, powerboxinc are sick they can come plug and play as well, and the fact that its all on one breaker, your 240v and 120v is beautiful

 

[Danknuggler]

what would be a better commercially available controller then?I was just checking these out.At least the housing isnt plastic but what about the trigger and all that is this a better unit??http://www.4hydroponics.com/grow_room/sentinelHPH4.asp

 

[Danknuggler]

I just saw the powerbox.That is the one.I like the one that has 4 timed with the option for 6.Perfect thanks.349$ is more thantwice the price for the CAP MLC but it is worth it for peace of mind.

 

[headiez247]

I have the MLC 8x can run either 120 or 240 and I'm running 8 1k's on them with a 40amp breaker