Haggardass
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I'm going to try my new ballast if it doesn't fix it then start with the plug and see from thereThat's perfectly legal and fine. This was most likely due to poor connections or backstabbed receptacles. The configuration of the receptacle will only allow plugs that won't overdraw. Assuming we're talking about listed and legal equipment and not shit that some dumbass homeowner built because they were under the misconception that they were smart enough to "figure it out" themselves.
I read this and it sounded like the OP's cord from ballast to wall was too hot to touch? If so, replace it and see if that helps. 20 amps will serve your stated load, but it's close.
Best practice? Put all your big ballasts on 240v circuits. MUCH safer that way.
Ballast most likely isn't your cause.I'm going to try my new ballast if it doesn't fix it then start with the plug and see from there
Absolutely not. Especially if you do not know 100% what you are doing. If you put 240 to a 120 recep than you could end up plugging a 120 device into it. Like I said earlier, plug configurations are designed for specific use. We have testing and listing organizations as well as codes to ensure safety and proper operation. Amateurs circumventing these are what cause problems from a simple malfunction to a as severe as death.I couldn't just throw a240 volt socket in a 120 hole could i? I'm thinking no but don't want to assume lol
Absolutely not. Especially if you do not know 100% what you are doing. If you put 240 to a 120 recep than you could end up plugging a 120 device into it. Like I said earlier, plug configurations are designed for specific use. We have testing and listing organizations as well as codes to ensure safety and proper operation. Amateurs circumventing these are what cause problems from a simple malfunction to a as severe as death.
That's your best bet. And DO NOT replace with a 20 amp receptacle if this is not a 20 amp circuit. Remember what I said about configurations being designed for use? Well a 20 amp plug can plug in to a 20 amp receptacle. If these are on a 15 amp ckt than you can potentially overdraw the circuit. It's different the other way around. You can have multiple 15 amp receps on a 20 amp circuit. No individual recep has the capability (under normal circumstances) to overdraw the circuit. But even one 20 amp on a 15 amp circuit can potentially overdraw due to different design limitations of specific configuration.Ok so I'm going to replace my socket and see if this cord stool gets hot
It is. Plus if both circuits were on the same phase than you wouldn't get 240 and you'd be overloading the neutral to boot.Believe it or not, there is a device I've seen marketed in the hydro magazines that plugs into two 120v circuits and then 'combines' them to provide a 240 outlet. I didn't look closely at it, but such a device seems to be asking for trouble!
Absolutely not. Especially if you do not know 100% what you are doing. If you put 240 to a 120 recep than you could end up plugging a 120 device into it. Like I said earlier, plug configurations are designed for specific use. We have testing and listing organizations as well as codes to ensure safety and proper operation. Amateurs circumventing these are what cause problems from a simple malfunction to a as severe as death.
Well to hell with this magnetic ballast I'm going to plug in that new ballast Thursday and see what happens and then go from there, I'm thinking the damn cord is the problem honestly this thing looks to skinny to be a computer cord much less run this big ass light.That's your best bet. And DO NOT replace with a 20 amp receptacle if this is not a 20 amp circuit. Remember what I said about configurations being designed for use? Well a 20 amp plug can plug in to a 20 amp receptacle. If these are on a 15 amp ckt than you can potentially overdraw the circuit. It's different the other way around. You can have multiple 15 amp receps on a 20 amp circuit. No individual recep has the capability (under normal circumstances) to overdraw the circuit. But even one 20 amp on a 15 amp circuit can potentially overdraw due to different design limitations of specific configuration.
Most likely causes, in order:
Obviously ignitor is functioning if lamp is starting. You can have a bad capacitor and still function depending on ballast design. Just functions at a lower voltage. Or you can have a bad cap that will make the ballast draw 2x the current. Most ballasts have a power factor of .50 before before a cap is added. And .90 after cap. The reciprocal of .50 is 2. So with a bad cap, multiply current by 2. With a good cap, multiply by 1.1 (reciprocal of .90) That's why a 1000W ballast will draw around 1100 watts.
- Worn receptacle.
- Backstabbed receptacle, or multiple wires not pigtailed.
- Worn or poorly manufactured cord.
- Bad capacitor.
Ok that makes sense thank you for your helpIf that were the case, it would be warm along it's entire length. Since it's in the first 3" than it's most lilely one of the causes I already outlined. Either way, you should make sure that recep is good before you plug something else into it.
That's your best bet. And DO NOT replace with a 20 amp receptacle if this is not a 20 amp circuit. Remember what I said about configurations being designed for use? Well a 20 amp plug can plug in to a 20 amp receptacle. If these are on a 15 amp ckt than you can potentially overdraw the circuit. It's different the other way around. You can have multiple 15 amp receps on a 20 amp circuit. No individual recep has the capability (under normal circumstances) to overdraw the circuit. But even one 20 amp on a 15 amp circuit can potentially overdraw due to different design limitations of specific configuration.
Most likely causes, in order:
Obviously ignitor is functioning if lamp is starting. You can have a bad capacitor and still function depending on ballast design. Just functions at a lower voltage. Or you can have a bad cap that will make the ballast draw 2x the current. Most ballasts have a power factor of .50 before before a cap is added. And .90 after cap. The reciprocal of .50 is 2. So with a bad cap, multiply current by 2. With a good cap, multiply by 1.1 (reciprocal of .90) That's why a 1000W ballast will draw around 1100 watts.
- Worn receptacle.
- Backstabbed receptacle, or multiple wires not pigtailed.
- Worn or poorly manufactured cord.
- Bad capacitor.
I had 15 amp sockets on a 20 amp breaker, and they melted. be careful
Hmmm...sounds like a real safety issue thanks for sharing!
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