Wiring CFLs? Series or Parellel?

[newbienewb]

Good day everyone.

I am attempting this for the first time, and have read alot, however I am no wizard when it comes to electricity, plus I've been zapped a couple of times, so

Am I right when I think you can connect the cfls together using standard 14 AWG wire, then splice to an extension cord (preferably old appliance cord) and plug it in? (I know, sorry details details) No more than 8 lights, 2700K CFL's and not plugged into an already overloaded circuit.
and if I can do that, then how is it affected if I were to use a newer grounded extension cord to run the lights?

I understand how to wire in series and in parellel, and also know pros and cons of both, as far as bulbs burning out effecting the rest etc.
Is there any preferance between the two, and if yes, why?

Thank you in advance

newbienewb Reviewed by newbienewb on 10-05-2009. Wiring CFLs? Series or Parellel? Good day everyone. I am attempting this for the first time, and have read alot, however I am no wizard when it comes to electricity, plus I've been zapped a couple of times, so Am I right when I think you can connect the cfls together using standard 14 AWG wire, then splice to an extension cord (preferably old appliance cord) and plug it in? (I know, sorry details details) No more than 8 lights, 2700K CFL's and not plugged into an already overloaded circuit. and if I can do that, then Rating: 5

[killerweed420]

I just wouldn't do the series wiring. Its too risky for the plants. One bulb goes out and they all go out and then your plant will be without light. So at the least they will probably hermie and at the most they may die.

[newbienewb]

But as far as safety, this is common practice and the appliance cord is enough to handle that many lights.

Ive paranoid out and only hooked up 4 of my eight lights. It works good and I went with parellel as advised.

Thanx

[buzzie63boy]

I use clamp lights with extension and splitter (2 bulbs per clamp) and just spread them around the plant, keep them 2 inches from plant and make sure you use enough of them, I have 2-42watt & 4-26watt for one plant and its working great !! plug into GFI plug bar and watch her grow. throw in some F.F. big bloom and molasses too:rasta:

[leftreartire]

well instead of wiring anything i recommend that you go to home depot or lowes and buy a socket right in the electrical department that allows you to simpley plug in a socket. they are just 1.50 each and you can also get a (y) that alloes you to screw in 2 bulbs. and using a power strip you can simple plug screw and plug 6-10 bulbs in a safe effective light strip. if you need to a picture i would be happy to show it to you. very fast and very safe. you can even just get a dollor extention cord and plug 4 lights into each cord and be able to cover more areas. very effective and would only cost you maybe 12-15 bucks for a few lights

[Slevinkal]

Nice. No help at all. You didnt even come close to answering his question...

[therealgod]

MAKE SURE YOU WIRE THEM IN PARALLEL, will not work otherwise.

[growman420]

i have mine wired simple run a wire from each wire to one of the two wires on a household plug. wire caps and electrical tape 1 month no prob i have 4 26 w cfls per plug.so i have 2 household plugs that go into surge protector. i guess wired in parralel.you cant go wrong so if youre scared dont be.