thinking about buying a 240v timing board

[Local420]

I happen to have access to a 240v 50amp range outlet. I was thinking about getting this for initally 4x 600W either digi or magnetic ballasts and eventually expanding to 8x 600W. The only problem I see right now is that the range outlet is the opposite side of the house so I'm hoping I can use HEAVY DUTY extension cords and modify the ends for a 240v outlet.

240v 8-outlet timing board

the timer on the thing looks a little on the cheap side, but I was wondering if anyone has used this model, or the cheaper 4-outlet version and what their thoughts were on it.

 

[bartender187]

One thing to consider is... If your pluggin that 50amp device into a 30amp circuit.... the guage of the cable and the breaker will not be of sufficient size to handle the amperage load... you would only be able to roll 24amps continously on a 30amp circuit (10-3 wiring).

I imagine that the timer is not actually handling the actualy duty of switching the load of the lights, but more likely is signaling to a heavy duty relay to control power to the lights.

 

[MTF-Sandman]

How long of an extension cord are you thinking about using? How long is the wire run that goes to the stove from the main panel?

I've never liked those prefab panels...too expensive and not enough room to expand IMO. But they are simple...

 

[Local420]

Bartender: I looked at the breaker and it's a 50amp breaker, it takes up two slots so im assuming its 240V. I'll look at the jacket on the wire itself to verify the gauge, but I'm sure it's correct for 50amp service.

MTF: From the outlet to the breaker box is probably just under 75'
the extension from one end of the house to the other would probably be no more than 30'

You're right, they are expensive but I dont know anyone that I would feel secure about asking to build me one, nor do I feel comfortable dealing with shady people over the internet.

 

[TGT]

That 240 volt timer board seems totally over priced! I got my local hydroponic store to make me one up. It isn't digital, but has a past proven timer, and only powers 4 ballasts. They could make one for 8 for an extra 20 bucks. My board cost only $120.00 canadian! Look around, I'm sure you can find one cheaper, or just make one yourself. They are so simple and all the parts are at Home Depot or any good hardware store. Just my 2 cents, good luck!

 

[MTF-Sandman]

That should work, but you'll be on the edge of having voltage drop issues I believe due to the total length of the run.

It's really simple to build a panel like TGT's...easily less than $100 for folks that live near any decent home improvement store.

Here's the wiring schematic if you wanna make one using an Intermatic WH40 or T104 for 240v lighting...

 

[DB2004]

Those timerboards are fairly reasonably priced. Each unit has;

Enclosure
Digital Timer
2 30A Contactors
Receptacles
2-Gang Boxes
Spacer Nipples
Breakers
50A Range Cord

Anyone can build a similar timer with those mechanical 40A timers.

 

[Guest]

I guess its reasonable,a bit on the high side though.Personally I'd use a WH40 and delete that expensive digital timer and contactors crap,I wouldnt even feel safe putting a high wattage grow on a digital timer,mechanical's are more reliable.If you are going to run 8 1K fixtures its a valid option,if you are going to run 3 or 4 1K's its a waste of money IMO.

 

[bartender187]

^^
The Digital Timer does not switch teh loads... it signals to teh contactors to switch the loads...

 

[Local420]

I will admit, it is pricey. I do like that fact that its already built and it works.

I do however like TGT's board, it's cheap and I can find everything I would need at HD, im not clear how everything gets wired. I mean I understand the the 240V wire-schematic (at least how to read it), but I'm not quite clear about the 120v outlet, obvisously if I could see the insides it would make sense but I'm trying to picture how to wire the 120v outlets off the 240v coming in.

Am I correct in thinking that you take one hot lead (let's say point 3 of the T104 Schematic MTF posted) and a neutral to the 120v outlets, or are they daisy-chained off one of the 240v oulets (using one hot and neutral).

sorry if im way off on this, i do computers and phone system, not electricity (although I understand the basics...the very basics)

 

[TGT]

I'll take a picture of mine tomorrow with it opened up so you can see how it is wired. Hopefully I can do it without unplugging everything - but should be pretty easy.

TGT

 

[Guest]

There is no neutral wire in a 240 volt circuit,only a white wire used as a hot in cabled assemblies.A neutral wire HAS to be white,a white wire doesnt have to be neutral.To be correct the white wire would be "phased" or wrapped in black or colored electrical tape.Another words using a 120V receptacle on a 240V circuit the only wire that has a designated terminal is the ground.You can put the white or black on either side of the receptacle,they are both hot.

 

[Local420]

TGT: I would greatly appreciate that! :smile:

Soilman: So what you are saying is both hots go to each terminal and the ground goes the ground terminal. I thought the hots were red and black, white was neutral and green or bare is ground.