Electrical (ballast / wiring) question

[nos68]

Hey - any electricians out there? I'm looking to relocate my ballasts (all 400 watt MH) to a spot that would be about 10' away. Is this too far to put the ballasts? If so, what's a genenral/good rule of thumb distance? If it makes a huge difference, I can mount the ballasts back on top of the canopy and stick a fan to cool them a bit and maybe put some heat sinks on them (major heat) from those guys.

thanks,
Chris

[RobinsonFam1]

check with themanufactuer specs on it. the gauge of wire will probably change to a heavier size. you can try to do a search on the web for wiring diagram or schematic.

[Geoff]

i have my ballasts at least 10' away. i just brought a section of the old wiring to HD and bought the next size up. i may end up moving the ballasts over 30' away when we get our addition done.

G~

[ruben resendiz]

well you are in luck i am a electrican you could put the ballasts where every you want just rember to use the same wire gauge and dont use wire nuts make sure you crimp youre wire.my ballasts 4ft frome my tank and i put a fan an it to keep it cool thats on a timer hope i help you

[Geoff]

Originally Posted by ruben resendiz

well you are in luck i am a electrican you could put the ballasts where every you want just rember to use the same wire gauge and dont use wire nuts make sure you crimp youre wire.my ballasts 4ft frome my tank and i put a fan an it to keep it cool thats on a timer hope i help you

OK, now you have done it.

why do you not want to go up a size?

why do you not want to use wirenuts?

i honestly do not know, i am not trying to be a smart......butt.

thanks,

G~

[Junkzoo]

Originally Posted by Geoff

OK, now you have done it.

why do you not want to go up a size?

why do you not want to use wirenuts?

i honestly do not know, i am not trying to be a smart......butt.

thanks,

G~

My response exactly... As a electrician myself, i would go up a size in gauge (voltage drop) it all depends on how far the distance is,,,as to how much of a up-size needed,,,wire nuts? if done right, should be no problem,twisted wires,done correctly with a good wire nut,and silicone applied up into the cavity of the wire nut after the splice(corrosion/seal) are IMO as good as a crimped butt splice(also siliconed/taped up).
The most i work with is 34K volts,,,i gotta know about good connections

[ruben resendiz]

well far but most imporant you will not have voltage drop up to hunderd ft wire nuts will just twist the wire together but by crimping it you will have a solid conection he is right you should increase youre gauge if you are going a far distance but i think you will be fine you shouldnt have that much resistant.

[Geoff]

thanks!

just making sure i was thinking correctly.

G~