so do I just have the 1k watt hps stay on leave other one taken down? I don’t know whether if I got another main outlet in shop. I just don’t get why both lights were working fine before then now it decides to shutoff. Will that 1k watt light be enough for all of those plants? @dbrn32 I can run a long ext cord to the front of house but it involves having ext outside and don’t k ow whether it will be good if it rains on it
Personally I would try to just to see if it works. Then you know your fixture is fine. If they both work independently then you know they aren’t the issue.
The other side is, I would rather have not enough light than an electrical fire hazard. Current draw on 1000 watt ballast is usually something like 9 amps by itself. If you have a 15 amp circuit it shouldn’t be loaded beyond 12 amps, 20 amp circuit beyond 15 amps. The two lights alone would eat up a whole 20 amp circuit. Then you still have to account for other electrical equipment.
In short, doesn’t seem like you currently have to electrical system to run that big of a grow safely.
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I think it’s more than 20 amps I can take a pic of the box. I don’t know nothing about electricity lol
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okay I can’t take pic but there’s a box that has like poker chips looks like. one says 20 amp the rest of the 3 chips say 30 amp each @dbrn32 don’t know what that means all in one box where main outlet connects too
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Poker chips probably means fuses. 30amp would be good for loading, but may not solve issue with your light. You should first make sure that the circuit you are using is indeed 30a.
This did make me think of something else though. Does your ballast have a switch on it to run 120v or 240v? May want to look, and make sure its in the right position if you do.
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both ballist don’t have a switch just a knob that says 400 watt, 600 watt and super lumen. for the 1k ballist it says 400 watt, 600 watt, 1000 watt and super lumens. so if those chips mainly has 30 amp each it would still be safe to run both lights and just turn vent fan blowing air in off? I think both are 120v @dbrn32
No. Make sure you are on a 30 amp FOR SURE before even attempting to run both lights from same circuit. Then make sure every cord and component in the circuit is rated for the 30 amp. Then it may not be as much of a potential fire hazard, but you won’t have solved why both your lights don’t work.
I’m suspecting that starting conditions are just too much for a single circuit. Like the inrush current from one light is causing voltage drop or something on the other. That’s why I suggested trying on a different circuit.
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how do I check if it’s 30 amps? the only thing I see with amps is those chip things I got a little more battery on phone so I can take a pic of it of it to show you what I’m talking about.
You will need to trace the circuit to see what goes where. Or an amp clamp could probably tell you if you know roughly what to expect from each.
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Just tells you that you have three 30 amp fuses and one 20 amp fuse. Nothing there to indicate which goes where, or that the wiring is suited for the fuse that’s there.
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that is the only thing I see. that box is connected to wire that runs directly to main outlet
Do you have friend with electrical background?
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no I do not the only person that was a really good electrician that was close to me that love cannabis he passed away few years back. I think he was the one that wired everything in. I do remember that alot of stuff was plugged into it before with no problems. I’ve ran setup with both lights fans and ballist in for 4 or 5 years now with no problem. nothing melting or anything that smelled like electric fire
You’re probably on 30a then, but I don’t deal with probably when comes to stuff like this. As in, I’m not going to knowingly give you advice that I wouldn’t do myself.
To me, the only thing you can do is try your 600 watt light isolated and see how it behaves. If its on a circuit by itself and doesn’t run, then you can dig deeper into it. If it does, then we found your issue and solution.
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by isolated you mean? I do know 600 watt ballist is the original one I used from first grow if that helps. I did switch fuses to new one tho but haven’t tried it out yet. i just got told that it’s most likely 30amp from a family member. that’s all she knows. I can try switching stuff tomorrow to see
Just find a place to plug the 600 watt light in so that is on its own circuit and see if it runs. Take it out of the tent and drive it across town if you have to.
I’d honestly get an electrician out regardless of a lighting issue to help confirm the fuses are even appropriate for the wiring etc…
People have been known to solve problems with blowing fuses by just swapping in a higher amp rated fuse. Without the wiring to match……. Recipe for disaster.
Once you know all is safe and you understand what outlets are tied together on common circuits it’s easier to ensure you don’t overload.
These are simple useful tools as well to confirm actual amp draw of any specific electronics, lighting, etc.
P3 P4400 Kill A Watt Electricity Usage Monitor Amazon.com
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thank you. @CygnusX1 @dbrn32 i figured leaving the reflector off one side off 1k watt hps it’s getting every bit of space right now just don’t know whether it’s gonna hurt yield or not but we will see in 5 weeks. they are stacking buds. if they produce a big yield but not so much I still have the outdoor ones to compensate for them I mean the ones outside are getting pretty big just won’t be done til November I’m guessing. I am gonna invest into a 1k watt led light the ones u use drivers for and run 1k hps light with it in 5x5 tent. so that way I save a little bit of cash on electricity and be safer route.
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@dbrn32 found out what problem is… 600 watt ballist is wore out.
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