wiring from the ballast to the hood?

[yamaha_1fan]

I am going to get some ballast kits and make my own ballasts. Works better for for a few reasons. 1, they are cheaper, 2 they are being mounted outside of the growrrom and will need longer wire runs to the hood, 3 I will be able to save space by excluding the ballast box.

The ballasts are going to be mounted on a board with all my other electrical stuff, timers, sub panel, outlets, etc. I need to run between 20 to 40 feet of wiring from the ballast, to the hood. Can I use extension cords with the ends cut off, and piece them as I need them? Since they are running 240V, each cord will be running less than 5 amps. Certainly any of the orange cords can handle this even with a slightly longer run. The reason I want to use extension cords is because they are stranded wire and more flexible then the romex which is solid wire and just a pain to deal with. With the hoods moving up and down, the extension cord seems like a better idea.

So can I use extension cords to hook up the hoods? Or can I buy similiar wire in bulk? I will probably need about 300 feet. 9 hoods, furthest hood is about 20 feet from wall. Of course I need to price it out by the foot as well cause I am not paying more to use the extension cords.

The hoods need only 2 wires from the ballast right or do they also use a ground?

Man, I didnt know planning the electrical would be so complex. The wire isnt cheap and I dont want to go crazy and make mistakes. This project is way over budget as it is.

 

[jarff]

Personally i,d buy some wire in bulk which is stranded and a little heavier gauge....get a bunch of wire nuts and do some splicing and away you go....Those cheap yellow or orange extension cords are pretty cheap and can break inside some times.The bulk wire I use is black in colour and is probably 14 gauge.They will last a lifetime....you should also hook up a ground as you might get bit by a short....I ain,t an electrician but my son is and he always uses the black bulk wire I mentioned.
We all get over budget but some things you just can,t cheap out on....wiring is one of em.The raw ballasts you speak of are great with a great price..only thing missing is a box to put them in.I usually build a shelf and put ceramic tiles under the ballasts with a fan bowin,air on them all the time.keepin em cool is the life of your gear.
good luck.
jarff

 

[Rolling_Stoned]

Howdy!
I agree with jarff, if you're goin with that much wire a bulk purchase is in order. Good luck man, have fun!

 

[Guest]

I could be mistaken but I think theres a limit to the length between ballast and hood for HPS fixtures,you may want to look into it.

 

[Guest]

Write this down: (UL) STW E159216S VW-1 105 DEGREE CENTIGRADE 3 X 16 AWG WATER RESISTANT and present it to the counter man at the local electrical supply house.

Try to keep your run from ballast to hood at 16 feet (you could push for 20 if you really need to) The above noted wire has a ground. Also remember that while your input may be 120/240 volt, the output is high voltage and appropriately rated ballast to hood wiring needs to be used.

Also remember, wall outlet voltage/amps will do a number on you.............the ballast voltage will knock the living s**t out of you should your cheap wire "leak" and you come in contact with bare wire. This happened to me years ago and it took several hours for me to recover from the hit.

Hope this helps you my friend.

happy growing and peace

the cheerleaders support you

 

[yamaha_1fan]

Is this a home depot item or do I need to find a real electrical supply house? Also what is the output voltage of the ballast in case I get asked?

 

[Guest]

just get a 12 gauge extension cord from the hardware store and cut it at the links you need