- Thread starter
- #3,561
Yup... I'm in the middle of learning that lesson now.
Costco has a 2pack of 12g 50ft cords for $35. Tead jumped. He may jump again when Mrs. Tead is looking the other way.
Tead's Indoor-ish, Winter, Hempy, OGK, SOG
- Thread starter Tead
- Start date
Yup... I'm in the middle of learning that lesson now.
Costco has a 2pack of 12g 50ft cords for $35. Tead jumped. He may jump again when Mrs. Tead is looking the other way.
Ya gotta be sure the Watts match yer cord
12g is pretty good , over 15' get 10g
I use a 12g 15' tripple plug ext cord, works good , or get the heavy 10g ambilical , they are lime $8 or so
Those cheap 3 ways will torch things to easy
Remember the longer the cord the more you loose
Safer is better
Safer is better
Lady Antheia
Well-Known Member
Just point her in the direction of something she likes and will buy. It softens the hit to the wallet.
- Thread starter
- #3,565
Let's talk about electrical. I seem to have been operating under some misunderstandings.
Power requirements are one issue. AC runs about 1000w. Lights total are pulling another 1500ish. Fans are in the mix too, but probably insignificant for this issue.... maybe adding another 200w. Let's call it 3000w total.
Distances are an issue. The shed needs about 80ft of extension cord to hit it. Functionally, this translates into 100ft of extension cords running from the back of my house to the shed.
Previously, I had been running 2 smaller gauge cords from 2 different circuits from the house. I needed 2 and popped circuit breakers when I tried to use 1. Both cords were hot at both connection points (house and shed).
Currently, I'm running the entire setup on a single connection over 2x50ft 12g extension cords... no heat on the wires at all. I haven't had a need to crank up the 1000w HPS, but that test will happen later this morning.
The logical mind has to wonder.
Was my actual power consumption significantly higher when running over crappy wires and connections? Was I just pissing power away?
Would I see even better performance if I put in a real connection with ROMEX, conduit, and real power boxes?
The difference I'm seeing is hugely dramatic. Previously I was pushing both circuits near their limits. Now, I appear to be well within the bounds of a single connection's limits.
Shit... I've been doing the dual connections over crappy wiring for like 10 years!
Power requirements are one issue. AC runs about 1000w. Lights total are pulling another 1500ish. Fans are in the mix too, but probably insignificant for this issue.... maybe adding another 200w. Let's call it 3000w total.
Distances are an issue. The shed needs about 80ft of extension cord to hit it. Functionally, this translates into 100ft of extension cords running from the back of my house to the shed.
Previously, I had been running 2 smaller gauge cords from 2 different circuits from the house. I needed 2 and popped circuit breakers when I tried to use 1. Both cords were hot at both connection points (house and shed).
Currently, I'm running the entire setup on a single connection over 2x50ft 12g extension cords... no heat on the wires at all. I haven't had a need to crank up the 1000w HPS, but that test will happen later this morning.
The logical mind has to wonder.
Was my actual power consumption significantly higher when running over crappy wires and connections? Was I just pissing power away?
Would I see even better performance if I put in a real connection with ROMEX, conduit, and real power boxes?
The difference I'm seeing is hugely dramatic. Previously I was pushing both circuits near their limits. Now, I appear to be well within the bounds of a single connection's limits.
Shit... I've been doing the dual connections over crappy wiring for like 10 years!
I always heard a heavier wire is the ticket when going anything over 110.with any length. Now that's just what this fools overheard over the years. Believe it or not, I at one time had my generals licc, I was just refinishing bathtubs and painting whatever need a specialty coating. From cars to houses but. I never like to do any electric cept change a plug or and plumbing. When I did a remodel, I hate sweating copper. Anything else I'd bid on. Jack of all ya know,,, but I enjoyed painting. Back to electric,, hell my friend,, I don't even know what gauge shit I got pulled.. Whatever it is,, I got a spare just waiting for my new box and a second 220 line,, maybe a spilt air. Hell I'd settle for a window unit I guess about now. How ya'll doing down in the dome.. You named that right. Dude we got hot here,,,but without that shit.. The R/H shit.
Portland hit 104 and we thought we was going die.. Naw but it got warm. Snows dissapearing off Mount Hood. I do have to say I was driving home the other day and came across that Highway 5 birdge and I could see all three peaks clear as a bell... Them mountains always make me feel small. Thats alot of land you can see. From Hood, to Rainer and then St Helena's that covers a big chunk of a map.
Keepem Green
Portland hit 104 and we thought we was going die.. Naw but it got warm. Snows dissapearing off Mount Hood. I do have to say I was driving home the other day and came across that Highway 5 birdge and I could see all three peaks clear as a bell... Them mountains always make me feel small. Thats alot of land you can see. From Hood, to Rainer and then St Helena's that covers a big chunk of a map.
Keepem Green
- Thread starter
- #3,567
I've been watching the PDX weather. There are many words in the media about smoke and haze. Good to hear it's not too much.
I grew up right at the foot of the coast range. Logging land that now tends to be wine territory. Hills and mountains were constant companions. I spent endless days and nights roaming various bits of that range sleeping under it's stars, fishing it's rivers, and just generally exploring on my 2 stroke steed. I hope some day to return to those lands... tho visits have shown some serious changes over the last 50 years.
I saw that Tualatin is doing a crawfish boil for the Hood to Coast series. Awesome!
As a young Tead, we had AC in our house. It was, of course, rarely needed. Since it often went a year or two without use, it never actually worked... like ever. Any time it was ever needed, the refrigerant had leaked and usually the lack of refrigerant caused other leaks to develop. After many years, we finally learned and just put fans up on the rare occasion the heat became severe.
I got to say this Tead,, I truely wish I could enjoy the country here. I love Mount Hood overlooking us,, but I have nerve pain in my feet so bad,, sometimes they hurt just to drive across town. I've done all the little easy drives and seen around the falls coast every casion there is,,, hey they have a BIG ass casion like 15 miles across the river up 5. 20 minute drive.. They really have to much gaming around here. A slot machine of every corner. Making it to easy. Hell even opened one up at the vidio track they have here. But man,,, when you feet go, and I don't just mean my feet hurt, but, you can't enjoy much of anything. That's something we take for granted. I haven't knocked the dust off my fishing reels, or had any gunpowder residuie to clean out the guns in more years than I care to say. Pisses me off.. Oregon has alot to offer.. But what ya going to do? Ride a hover round??? LOL I'd have my feet cut off and get new ones first... Keepem Green
- Thread starter
- #3,569
As you know... Oregon really can offer a good bit to those a bit less mobile. You can cruise the coast and stop many places to enjoy a bit of nature, a lighthouse, or a fun seafood resturant. You can roam up the gorge to Bridal Veil or cross the river and check out the local copy of stonehenge... or just watch the wind surfers and pick up some cool shirts at a local board shop. Are there any spots on the Willamette (spelled it right without spellcheck!) you can get to?
Damn.... now I'm homesick yet again.
Damn.... now I'm homesick yet again.
Gauge Steel
New Member
Go visit. Its much different than it was even a couple years ago.
I know. I recently moved away.
I know. I recently moved away.
My electrical experience is all indoors. For my grow areas, I try to size 1/2 to 3/4 the capacity on Romex.
For the 1500 watts in my flower area (2x 600W HPS + extras) I run 12 guage wire and 20 AMP breakers - that's a theoretical 2200W as opposed to 14 guage and 15 amp breakers of 1750 watts.1500W is too close to 1750W for safety. Adding a heater or a veg area is a second circuit, so I run another 20 amp/12 guage line. (I use 110v x Amps for the math.)
- - -
For my way of thinking, 3000W equally divided is a pair of 12 guage Romex with 20 amp breakers (2 x 700W buffer.)
If you never need to expand power use, it could be a single 10 guage with 30 amp circuit (1 x 300W buffer.)
Personally, I prefer more buffer capacity.
BTW: 10 guage is really thick stuff, even 12 guage is awkward to fit into an outlet box.
Certain temperature ratings on the sheathing of the conductor allow a bigger amperage over a smaller wire (NEC table 310.16), and many electricians would say I am undersizing the circuit if I go up to 3/4 of rated load, but I have digital ballasts that reduce surge, and I don't run my subwoofer at full power, and it turns out I'm at 2/3 of rated load - so I don't worry about it.
I don't know anything about buried wire and what is code legal or advisable.
- Thread starter
- #3,572
Some interesting side discoveries today.
I tried to crank up the 1000w HPS. It starts up fine, but when the AC compressor kicks on, the light shuts down and gives 3 blinks on the power light informing me of an under voltage condition. So.... can't run it all on one circuit, but that's hardly unexpected.
We've had storms... lots of rain, lightning, and thunder. The power blinked earlier today. Previously, this would have caused the AC to shut down. This is a problem since it doesn't auto restart. This power blink didn't bring down the AC. Interesting.
I had to strip off my shoes and wade out to the shed to check out the AC...
Well above the top of my feet right up to my ankle side nub. Gonna dig out my pirogue next time I roam out to the shed.
I tried to crank up the 1000w HPS. It starts up fine, but when the AC compressor kicks on, the light shuts down and gives 3 blinks on the power light informing me of an under voltage condition. So.... can't run it all on one circuit, but that's hardly unexpected.
We've had storms... lots of rain, lightning, and thunder. The power blinked earlier today. Previously, this would have caused the AC to shut down. This is a problem since it doesn't auto restart. This power blink didn't bring down the AC. Interesting.
I had to strip off my shoes and wade out to the shed to check out the AC...
Well above the top of my feet right up to my ankle side nub. Gonna dig out my pirogue next time I roam out to the shed.
Morglie
Well-Known Member
I had to strip off my shoes and wade out to the shed to check out the AC...
Well above the top of my feet right up to my ankle side nub. Gonna dig out my pirogue next time I roam out to the shed.
Did you install a moat around your shed? Next up are the cauldrons of boiling oil on the parapets!
With the heat and humidity levels you have, I'm surprised you run an hps instead of led. Less wattage at the wall for the same light output plus much less heat to counteract. It seems like it would be a win/win for you.
- Thread starter
- #3,574
Cauldrons of gumbo, rice on the parapets perhaps... and crawfish in the moat!
I cover the bloom room with 600w (1000w dimmed to 600w) HPS and a 350w (actual consumption) LED. The HPS is in a cooltube and gives off almost no heat from the fixture. The LED's fixture gets quite warm and doesn't vent outside the garden like the cooltube. Of course, one can't avoid the radiant heat... it's the whole point really, and both lamps have a pretty good radiant output from bulbs.
I like the dual type of lights and run the HPS at 600w and the LED's at half power when I have them both working. I've got a little change in mind for the LED that will help it vent out of the bloom room into the open shed. Weather may challenge me, but I do have hopes of implementing that change on Sunday.
Morglie
Well-Known Member
I could see where invaders could be distracted by gumbo raining down on them. Hopefully they brought bowls to catch it in. 
That makes sense with the lights. I started growing not too long ago, so I skipped straight to LEDs. I forgot about being able to vent hps straight out of your space. My LEDs heat my room up, but not horribly so. Talking to Graytail today, I realized I've been running light on lighting..... 33 watts per sqft. I turned off my t12 fixture I was using for side lighting to keep the temps down once summer hit. I would be pushing the low 90s if I kept all the lighting going that I ran in the winter.
The new grow space will be much better for environment. And space. And lighting... not having my veg space halfway across the house on a different floor will be nice as well. Carrying plants in 5 gallon buckets through my house to drench, then drip their way back kind of sucks. I can't wait. Got half my wiring done for it Thursday. It'll be up and running hopefully by September.
That makes sense with the lights. I started growing not too long ago, so I skipped straight to LEDs. I forgot about being able to vent hps straight out of your space. My LEDs heat my room up, but not horribly so. Talking to Graytail today, I realized I've been running light on lighting..... 33 watts per sqft. I turned off my t12 fixture I was using for side lighting to keep the temps down once summer hit. I would be pushing the low 90s if I kept all the lighting going that I ran in the winter.
The new grow space will be much better for environment. And space. And lighting... not having my veg space halfway across the house on a different floor will be nice as well. Carrying plants in 5 gallon buckets through my house to drench, then drip their way back kind of sucks. I can't wait. Got half my wiring done for it Thursday. It'll be up and running hopefully by September.
- Thread starter
- #3,576
I could see where invaders could be distracted by gumbo raining down on them. Hopefully they brought bowls to catch it in.
That makes sense with the lights. I started growing not too long ago, so I skipped straight to LEDs. I forgot about being able to vent hps straight out of your space. My LEDs heat my room up, but not horribly so. Talking to Graytail today, I realized I've been running light on lighting..... 33 watts per sqft. I turned off my t12 fixture I was using for side lighting to keep the temps down once summer hit. I would be pushing the low 90s if I kept all the lighting going that I ran in the winter.
The new grow space will be much better for environment. And space. And lighting... not having my veg space halfway across the house on a different floor will be nice as well. Carrying plants in 5 gallon buckets through my house to drench, then drip their way back kind of sucks. I can't wait. Got half my wiring done for it Thursday. It'll be up and running hopefully by September.
I've ranted many times about venting on LED lights. Manufacturers seem to want to sell us hard on the koolaid of cooler running lights, but the option of exterior venting and power conversion outside the grow area (ballast) really form a cooler overall footprint.
You gonna run water supply and drainage into your new space?
Tead has dreams of converting one of his apartments into a grow space. I could sure create some wonderful spaces.
Yup... dreams... dreams that require legalization.
- Thread starter
- #3,577
Lazarus13
Well-Known Member
Well Tead, i am dipping my toes into hempy. I just pulled down my current plant and took apart my buckets and bubblers and doodads and geegaws and installed two repurposed trash cans. They're 3.5 gallon and im hoping they give me some decent sized plants. I started a Girl Scout Cookie photoperiod and an LSD-25 auto on friday, both of which are just peeking their way thru the top of my starters. I was going to go buy some perlite but $ being what it is (scarce) im using coco for the top and a layer of hydroton for the reservoir.
Im a bit nervous as ive only grown dwc til now. Reassure me again how dummy proof hempy is man. Lol
Im a bit nervous as ive only grown dwc til now. Reassure me again how dummy proof hempy is man. Lol
Morglie
Well-Known Member
Shiggity and Graytail have me looking at the 304 boards. They have separate drivers for them. Shiggity is planning on putting his drivers up a floor from his flower room. I'm planning on putting mine on the panels, but I don't think the heat should be very bad for me. I'm thinking an upright a/c unit should keep it cool enough.
There aren't plans to run water yet, but there may be down the road. The spousal unit and myself have discussed putting an apartment next to the grow area, which would entail a large water tank and a pump to run a sink and use a composting toilet to get a bathroom there. Hooking into the well and septic wouldn't be very practical unfortunately.
Yes, legalization 'should' make things much easier. We'll see. I don't have faith in our 'for profit' government to do the right thing. Sociopathic greed has taken over in the name of bigger and bigger profits while they disregard the will of the people. The corporations have taken the place of citizens in the eyes of government officials and we're all f**ked.
Hey, if I can do it, anyone can. You should have seen how I fought with it the first plant. Lol! Now the garden shifts ever so much closer to total hempy domination.
You'll be fine. It's the lazy gardener's dream come true.
