Wiring Q

[Raskolnikov]

Can I use the same size wire as in the pic to wire a bunch of these in parallel? Or should I use regular size wire, like an extension cord?

[attachment=o148509]

[Raskolnikov]

A: No, I should use 14 gauge wire. kthxbye

[khronik]

The wire size you can use depends on the amps. You need to know the gauge of the wire to calculate a safe amperage for it. You can calculate amperage from watts and volts, if you have to. 14 gauge wire can support about 1500 watts, so that's probably overkill, but it will work.

[PharmaCan]

That's a strange looking cfl. Is it designed to be hard wired?

PC :wtf:

[Raskolnikov]

That's a strange looking cfl. Is it designed to be hard wired?

No, I took the threaded bit off and replaced it with a tetra pack lid, which screws on perfectly. This way I can wire a bunch of them in parallel without needing light sockets, which are $5 ea and I need 18 of them.

The reflector fits around the collar where the ballast cover snaps on. No tape or glue or anything.

[Raskolnikov]

The wire size you can use depends on the amps. You need to know the gauge of the wire to calculate a safe amperage for it. You can calculate amperage from watts and volts, if you have to. 14 gauge wire can support about 1500 watts, so that's probably overkill, but it will work.


18 x 24W / 120V = 3.6A

If I could use a lighter wire, it would be easier to hang them, but I'll probably use those 6' extension cords from the dollar store. They're 14 gauge, right?

[PharmaCan]

Very creative - and a good way to save $100. :thumbsup:

PC :smokin:

[Raskolnikov]

$100 I don't have. :thumbsup:



Necessity is the mother of invention.

[khronik]

I don't know what gauge the cords are that you're talking about, but I imagine they're at least 14 gauge. There's a good chance the packaging says something, probably 15 amps.

That's a neat system, although personally I prefer the 4-foot shop lights for cheap lighting. Good luck though!

[palerider7777]

u can go to home depot and buy a tool replacment cord there 5 each u need it the size of that atleast as the size wire u have won't be strong enough to hold the current + the tool replacment cord has the 3 prong with the grond that u need

[palerider7777]

iv'e done the same thing that ur doing but i mounted 10 to a sheet i plywood cut to size backed with maylar. i bought a roll of 14 or 12 or 10 gage would do. and wired them all together then to a replacment cord. then i made sum with the cut out just bigger than the light it's self so i could mount it to it with a hole in the middle for the cord to come str8 out the back of it. so i could use a a drop light in between the plants

[crazywill]

You have a homedepot around or lowes, Ask the guy for heavy lamp cord.it comes in 16&14 and some places have it in 12ga. but 14ga is all you need.

[palerider7777]

lamp cord will cost about the same or more but the tool replacment cords are alot better

[indicagrower]

the cheapo 6' cord from the dollar store will work just fine