no ground wire

[nosaj]

hey guys, i just wanted to ask a question about wiring. I have a setup and it works first of all. I just wanted to ask my light fixtures dont seem to have a ground wire but my heavy duty extension cord does. I therefore have not hooked up the ground wire (green) but just taped it off while the black and white wires between my lights and plug are attached and taped up.

Now my set up works, but does this present a hazard without a light fixture with a ground wire?

thanks,

nosaj Reviewed by nosaj on 10-19-2007. no ground wire hey guys, i just wanted to ask a question about wiring. I have a setup and it works first of all. I just wanted to ask my light fixtures dont seem to have a ground wire but my heavy duty extension cord does. I therefore have not hooked up the ground wire (green) but just taped it off while the black and white wires between my lights and plug are attached and taped up. Now my set up works, but does this present a hazard without a light fixture with a ground wire? thanks, Rating: 5

[psteve]

If your light was manufactured with no ground, it is probably safe to run it that way. :thumbsup:

[stinkyattic]

Is this a big MH or HPS system or a flourescent low-watt light fixture?
Also I've seen fixtures where there isn't a ground WIRE, but there's a green screw or nut you're meant to hook up to ground.
Look carefully and make sure you're not missing anything.

[nosaj]

hey thanks for the info, my setup if of 6-100 watt equivalent cfls. And there isnt any ground wire or green screw i can see on my fixtures just the green screw that i hooked the ground wire to on my extension cord plug in (which i hooked up just not on the end to the fixtures)

i have given it a test run for leaving it on for 12+ hours and have had no problems yet

thanks again

[stinkyattic]

Just another layer of safety if you are concerned-
It is an EXCELLENT idea to use a GFI outlet for any application in an area that could potentially be exposed to moisture (why they are code in kitchens and bathrooms), or to run your lights through a power strip that has a built-in circuit breaker.
Yes, I have shorted out by splashing nutrient solution (high ionic strength= VERY conductive) on a plug in an extension cord...

[nosaj]

great that is definitely something to consider (Power strip). I will probably invest in one asap as i am a cautious type of person.

[Psycho4Bud]

The ground wire goes right to the metal of the fixture itself. If nothing else, just find an internal screw of some sort and attach it to there. The big thing with the ground is so you don't get a shock when touching the fixture itself.

Have a good grow!:jointsmile:

[Psycho4Bud]

Just another layer of safety if you are concerned-
It is an EXCELLENT idea to use a GFI outlet for any application in an area that could potentially be exposed to moisture (why they are code in kitchens and bathrooms), or to run your lights through a power strip that has a built-in circuit breaker.
Yes, I have shorted out by splashing nutrient solution (high ionic strength= VERY conductive) on a plug in an extension cord...

Power strips are a GREAT thing to have!! Most regular GFI's in the house are rated at 6 amps though. Your regular household circuit is probably at 15 amp so you'd be cutting down on what your system could handle. Go with the power strip.:thumbsup:

Have a good grow!:jointsmile:

[nosaj]

thanks guys, that is one of the last questions i had and you definitely have helped out.