Should I Get Or Do I Need An Hid Light Cotroller??

[Lazerus00]

Hey guys, Laz here! Rearranging my basement and installing a new 70amp sub-panel and since I will be running a 240 outlet for my 2 Galaxy Grow Amp ballast since with the 120v cord they gave me works for 240v as well plus I figured it would just be best to get a light controller too. The reason I say this is bc since some of them have timers i just figured it would be easier, please correct me if i am wrong and I should just get a cpl 240v electrical timers and be done with it...would that be cheaper? What benefit would I get having a controller? Oh the reason I say 2 or 4 light is bc i have seen some of the Titan Helios 4 light models cheaper then their 2 light models. Basically I want the best cheapest way to run my 2(now 240v) ballast on a timer. Please any advice, suggestions, or criticisms welcome!!

 

[CelticEBE]

If you have the money spring for a controller. If you are on the cheap and know a bit about electrical, then you can set up something with a spa timer and a couple of 220 outlets.

 

[Lazerus00]

If you have the money spring for a controller. If you are on the cheap and know a bit about electrical, then you can set up something with a spa timer and a couple of 220 outlets.

Well I have the electrician coming next week to put in the sub-panel bc I know nothing about eletrical. He is a cool guy and I am sure anything I want I could relay to him but at first I thought I needed a controller and now I know I dont.....What benefits do I get with it....whats the main reason to get one?

 

[CelticEBE]

To be honest, the only benefit I would see is a slick UNIT where everything is in one place. I have a few controllers, and they are great, but you can achieve the same results for a lot less and stay just as safe with a properly wired spa controller.

 

[fishwhistle]

You could have him install a 240v receptacle and then plug an aftermarket controller into that like this one,

OR have him wire in a timer like this one,
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Intermat...ic-Water-Heater-Time-Switch-WH40DL3/203557614
And a receptacle into that to run a couple lights.Either way you need a timer to turn your lights on and off at the correct time and these are both better options than cheap 15 dollar timers,especially on 240v.

 

[Lazerus00]

@CelticEBE @fishwhistle

thank both of you guys! I am gonna have him wire in a timer box linked to 2 240 plugs then have him put like 6 to 8 123 plugs all coming off a 50 or 60 amp sub panel...thanks for the help and suggestions, they were greatly appreciated!!
-Positive Vibes

 

[Natural]

You could have him install a 240v receptacle and then plug an aftermarket controller into that like this one,

OR have him wire in a timer like this one,
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Intermat...ic-Water-Heater-Time-Switch-WH40DL3/203557614
And a receptacle into that to run a couple lights.Either way you need a timer to turn your lights on and off at the correct time and these are both better options than cheap 15 dollar timers,especially on 240v.

nothing wrong with a controller or a spa timer..try and watch everything he does and learn what's what. A good base knowledge will do you wonders. Hopefully one day you'll wire some shit up like this with confidence. Best place to start is to get a Basic Wiring book and read it till it makes sense. One day it all clicks into place..easy peasy