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Do I need new plug to go use 240v?

Discussion in 'Growing Marijuana Indoors' started by Jebus2000, Aug 12, 2018.

  1. #1 Jebus2000, Aug 12, 2018
    I'm new here and thanks in advance for taking the time to answ my question.

    I have been growing for over thirty years and looking to get back into it after a long hiatus.

    I'm going to be using an autopilot light controller to run 240 v driving two VIVOSUN ballast.

    QUESTION :

    The code from the ballast is the standard 120 plug. Do I need to buy new 240 volt plugs? 13343_9073.jpg 715WmOudp5L._AC_SL1500_.jpg

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  2. #2 Papa Puff, Aug 12, 2018
    My new hortilux came with a 110 and a 220 cord

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  3. #3 Jebus2000, Aug 13, 2018
    I haven't purchased the ballast yet, but contacted the manufacturer and they said I have to buy a replacement 240 cord with (sideways slotted two prong) plug.

    I'm simply not sure it's necessary as my old style ballast (used 15 years ago mind you...) you simply rewire the three contacts inside the ballast and it uses the same cord plug without issue.

    Looking for suggestions as I hadn't planned on buying more plugs if noy not ended.

    Advice appreciated... as always fellas :)

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  4. #4 Tbone Shuffle, Aug 13, 2018
    Depending on which type of 240v plug you're plugging into, 3 prong or 4 prong (dryer or stove type plug) There's two types of 240v plugs so make sure you get the right one. You can possibly just buy a new end for your cord if you're plugging into the 3 prong 240v type of plug. You just have to use the white or neutral wire for the red wire or other leg of power. If you do that it's customary to tape it with a stripe of red or black electrical tape to identify it as a powered up neutral wire. 240v is basically two legs of power and a ground. Some 4 prong versions use two legs of power a neutral wire and a ground. The ground and neutral in the end usually connect to the same places in the panel so it matters little which you use.
     
  5. #5 Tbone Shuffle, Aug 13, 2018
    Hot water tanks for example always use 3 wire even though they are 240 volt. There's only 3 connections on them. 2 power and one ground. Running 4 wire is a waste of wire. Typically the white or neutral wire is used for the other leg of power on a HWT. I've worked as a residential electrician. 10/2 wire for HWT's which means two current carrying conductors and one ground. 10awg is 30 amp max.
     
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  6. #6 Jebus2000, Aug 13, 2018
    Appreciate the response :)

    I'm using a 10—2 from 30 amp breaker that goes directly into the control box. The ballasts are plugged directly into it, but the ballasts cord have a normal 3 prong plug which I assume is only for 120 v.

    The controller has outlets that accept both the standard three prong plug (120) and the three prong with the ground and two sideways contacts (240 plug).(SEE PIC)

    My question is can I use the standard plug when using 240 volt given the controller accepts it? Screenshot_20180812-220003.jpg

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  7. #7 Reo, Aug 13, 2018
    That's a hard one to say. Usually it's be all right to use it.

    Is your controller 240v capable though? If you ran 240v on a 120v controller you'd have a constantly live ballast just waiting for trouble as the controller would only cut one power leg.
     
  8. #8 Jebus2000, Aug 13, 2018
    Yes.. the controller can be wired for both 120 and 240.

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  9. #9 Reo, Aug 13, 2018
    Yup it does in big bold letters
     
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  10. #10 Tbone Shuffle, Aug 13, 2018
    Get a plug that will go into your 240v setup and wire it to your current cord. Sometimes a ballast will have a switch for 120 or 240 volt. Look for that and switch it before you plug it in if that's the case. If it's auto recognizing of the voltage then you don't have to worry about it. Just wire a plug on the end that will plug into your 240v outlet and it should work.

    The only difference between 240v and 120v is 240 has two legs of power and 120 only has one. The neutral can be use for the second leg of power on a 3 wire cord like I said earlier. Just wire the new plug on appropriately and you should be fine. If the ballast accepts 240 it won't skip a beat. It will just run more efficiently.
     
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  11. #11 Jebus2000, Aug 13, 2018
    Dude you are Awsome! Thank you!

    The ballast has a standard three prong (120 v) plug and the controller accepts BOTH that and 240 v in the same inlet. (See pic)


    So no need to change the plug...
    Screenshot_20180812-220003.jpg

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  12. #12 Tbone Shuffle, Aug 13, 2018
    No need to change the cord that plugs into the ballast. Just put a new plug on the male side that will plug into your 240 volt plug.
     
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  13. #13 Jmantechno, Aug 13, 2018
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