Some Electrical Help with M59's Please

[rgaskins]

Hi got a few questions...

1-How far can you mount the ballasts away from the sockets safely...Thinking of mounting them in a near by closet...
2-What gage wires should I run to the socket and to power the ballasts...
3-What is the best protection? Fuses Etc.
4-Use any special type of wire nuts?

Thanks for any help, this will be my first MH setup...I just wanted to check with the experts and make sure I do this right...One thing that has got me worried is fire issue...These things look pretty dangerous...

Rick

 

[shoman89]

I bought 25' 14gauge extention cords at harborfreight and used them as my wiring by spliting it in a short section with the plug. The second longer section is to wire the ballast to the socket. I mounted my ballasts in red tool boxes and used gromets on the holes I drilled. I bought both of those at HF also. My ballasts are about 15' from the bulbs and I haven't had any problems in 3 years. You may want to use waterproof wirenuts. I didn't and have to rewire the sockets every year when I replace my bulbs. The saltwater cause corrosion and I cut the connections to expose clean wire. I may try that paint on electrical tape next time or the waterproof wire nuts.

The only concern I would have about the ballast is the heat the produce and the confines of the closet. My ballasts are in the garage.

JeffP

 

[rgaskins]

Thanks so much for you reply Jeff...Let me ask you this, wonder how it would work under the house?

 

[shoman89]

Are you saying in the crawl space? As long as it is protected from water and is ventilated, it may be an option.

JeffP

 

[rgaskins]

Yup, that was what I was thinking...How about protection, are you just letting the breaker take care of that? Thanks again!

 

[shoman89]

My tank has 2 seperate 20 amp ciruits. I used a gfi on each because of the water and being in the garage. I needed a filter or the MH trips the gfi. I use the Tripplite Isobar Surge Suppressors, but other isolators should work. The filters also help if you plan to use something like X10 or insteon to control the lights. My WorkHorse VHO ballast and the M59's both caused problems unfiltered.

JeffP