Can I run two 600w HPS off my Sentinel MDT-1 timer?

Can I just use a 12-gauge two foot extension cord plugged in to the Sentinel MDT-1 to power two 600w HPS lights, or do I need to buy their PXM-1 Power Expansion Module to run these two lights?

you can 1440w off that timer....

for power rating in a grow op, use this equation:

(P= E x I) x 80% = safe power

P= wattage E= voltage I= amperage

(1800W = 120V x 15AMP) x 80% = 1440 WATTS

your 120v 15 amp timer will safely handle 1440watts of power.

Ah, okay. I thought I read that it was only rated for 1200w of light, perhaps meant to run a single 1000w light with a little to spare. My concern was asking it to fire two 600w ballasts at the exact same time - wouldn't want to screw up a $200 timer!

gcvt420 said:

Ah, okay. I thought I read that it was only rated for 1200w of light, perhaps meant to run a single 1000w light with a little to spare. My concern was asking it to fire two 600w ballasts at the exact same time - wouldn't want to screw up a $200 timer!

Click to expand...

I run two 600s off a 25 dollar timer and have for years. Electronic ballasts usually have a soft start feature that doesn't make such a sudden demand on the line. Anyhow, it's a 1600W timer on a dedicated circuit. I've never had any problems.

that is a pricey solid state timer... but dude is right, digi's start easier than a magnetic. reason being digis use a capacitor bank instead of one big cap, like a mag ballast. the bank creates less of an inrush, more componets= more resistance= inrush is spread over a longer duration of time.

honestly though i can find a relay that costs 10-20$ that will run 2000w inductive all day long... if your nervous use a relay instead of there power expansion module....
a power expansion module is a fancy general purpose latching contactor in a shiny box with a big price tag :/

IAm5toned said:

you can 1440w off that timer....

for power rating in a grow op, use this equation:

(P= E x I) x 80% = safe power

P= wattage E= voltage I= amperage

(1800W = 120V x 15AMP) x 80% = 1440 WATTS

your 120v 15 amp timer will safely handle 1440watts of power.

Click to expand...

LMFAO i thought that was a real fuckin' bug for like a minute.

hey man can you please shoot me A pm and let me know how you connected the 2 600's to the mdt-1? I'm thinking about going with it and would be using 2 600's aswell. did you just use an extension cord? thanks

I'm looking to run two 1000w ballasts off of my MDT-1 and I'm told it can be done if I use a relay. My question is what type of relay do I need? Electrical is definitely not my thing so any help is appreciated.

I guess I should add that I'm using 240 to run the two ballasts, which is why I need the relay.

Bump!

Looking to run two 1000w baddass ballasts off of my MDT-1 but need to know how it can be done. Was told it can be done by using 240v and a relay switch but need to know exact item I need. Please help!

I will +rep for good info