[13ronin]

Originally Posted by greaterthings

DO NOT MAX OUT YOUR BREAKER!!! Figure out the maximum wattage and only put 80% of the watts. 2400W x .80 = 1920W.

The 20 Amp mark is the "NON-CONTINUOUS LOAD" The CONTINUOUS load (ie lights on for more then 20-30 minutes) is only supposed to be 80% of the breakers rating. Going for long periods of time with more then 80% but less then 100% (between 1900-2400W) may NOT POP THE BREAKER... but slowely burn it up... resulting in everybody in the house dying.

find Exhibit 210.22 in the electricians national electrical code book to understand more.


(I'm a 2nd year electrical engineering student trying to build my own hps ballasts... and mounts/reflectors... from scratch. Can anybody give me direction>>>>>>>>>>>

can't help with your work, but that's great to know! Thanks for the info. Filed in my brain for permanent storage! + rep