contactor

[brascal1]

I read on another thread that in order to control MH's you need a contactor - can somone explain what this is?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

well this depends on the current draw, but for longevity of the relays in the power bar we do suggest using the high amp power bar

This bar has two cables, one AC cable plugs into a socket on the power bar the other plugs into a wall socket. Program the power bar socket as normal, and plug the MH light into the high amp power bar socket. The digital power bar will act as a switching signal to turn the high amp on and off.

 

[brascal1]

I think that is what I have "Profilux Aquatic Bus Powerbar6D-USA/CND-APB 125VAC 60Hz Max 1875W"

 

[AQD_ottawa]

No this is a power bar, you need the 2 socket high amp power bar

http://www.ghl-direct.com/proddetail.php?prod=PL-0384

 

[brascal1]

When I read the specs on the PAB power bar I could swear I read it could handle 15amps per socket. it says it can handle 1875watts, 1875/6 = 312 watts per socket no?

So if I have 3 MH's I need 2 of those high amp strips? What about my pumps?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

yes it can HOWEVER GHL can not dictate what power consumption at initial strike MH ballasts produce and in time (maybe 2 maybe 3 years) the continual millisecond overloading on the relays will wear them out. Therefore this option stops this ever becoming an issue

it also means you can put more high power devises on teh power bar as you are spererating the load.

 

[brascal1]

From what I think I'm reading this is going to take up 2 of the outlets on the power bar as well?

What determines which devices need these high amp startup outlets? i.e. is it based upon amps? How do I know which of my pumps if any need it? Assume my VHOs don't?

 

[AQD_ottawa]

No

as i wrote above, one cable goes to the power bar socket you wish to act as a switching line and the other to an independant wall socket.

= ONE socket used on the power bar.

The two sockets on the high amp switch together

 

[brascal1]

So if I have 3 at 250w MH I need 3 of these units unless I want 2 of them to come on at same time? (currently I have my lights stagger to simulate sunrise sunset).

What about VHOs? Pumps? I can't figure by the website or what when these are needed and when they aren't - if I hadn't stumbled across the contactor post in another site I'd have never known.

 

[AQD_ottawa]

I would put two on the high amp and the other on the power bar, pumps etc rarely cause issues