2 x 1000 WATT LIGHTS into Power Strip?

Can I plug my two 1k ballast into a standard power strip?

My outlet is 40 amp (residential washer / dryer outlet in a newer home) so I know the outlet can handle it, but I'm worried maybe the power strip might overload with 2 1k lights plugged into it.

The power strip is a few years old so I don't have the paperwork that says the max load etc.

Is this a bad idea?

I'm no electrician but I say it's better to play it safe. You could always give it a try and if it starts getting hot find another option.

Are you talking about a normal everyday 15 amp power strip?? If it's got a NEMA 5-15P plug on it, I wouldn't imagine it being possible to plug it into a 40 amp outlet, then again I'm not an electrician either.

Pretty sure I wouldn't do it though.

so the 1k watt lights are using 110v power cords, being plugged into a standard power strip, and then into the outlet used for a washer/dryer... I am assuming that you mean the outlet in question is running a 40amp breaker.

I would think you'd be fine with that. 1kw lights draw ~9 amps on start up, that's the max draw they'll take ever. so 2x 9 being 18 amps total, and the breaker on the line rated at 40 amp, makes me think you're safe.. also, most standard power strips have a surge protector on them, if they start to draw too much the power strip will probably shut off.

I would like to say that I am no electrician either.

Why does it sound like you are trying to plug 2 110v plugs into a 220v outlet.

it is not safe to run a power strip or your ballast on a 40 amp circuit without breaking down that circuit with a sub panel. The reason being your power strip and ballasts and all of their wire is not rated to handle more then 15 amps perhaps 20 if its commercial. So let's say there is a short in one of your ballasts at what level is you're 40 amp breaker trip to prevent a fire from starting? You need to have a 20 amp circuit to feed these devices.

Install a sub panel or use a ul / etl approved lighting controller.

I am a licensed electrician.

so what you're saying is that the 40 amp breaker would allow for too much current to go through the ballasts in case of a surge?

I guess I see that being an issue, but wouldn't a good power strip prevent that? they usually have a breaker on them too.

ii dP ii said:

so what you're saying is that the 40 amp breaker would allow for too much current to go through the ballasts in case of a surge?

I guess I see that being an issue, but wouldn't a good power strip prevent that? they usually have a breaker on them too.

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the point is that the power strip and the ballasts are all under rated for a 40 amp circuit. Meaning the overcurrent protection device (breaker) on that circuit will not trip at a safe level in the event of a short circuit in one of those devices. The short could occur and often does occur in an overloaded power strip. It would be my bet that the power strip is where the fire would start

its not power surges that cause this, it's short circuits and putting too many devices on the circuit. What if someone plug something else into that power strip and started pulling well over 20 amps.

sehnsee said:

Can I plug my two 1k ballast into a standard power strip?

My outlet is 40 amp (residential washer / dryer outlet in a newer home) so I know the outlet can handle it, but I'm worried maybe the power strip might overload with 2 1k lights plugged into it.

The power strip is a few years old so I don't have the paperwork that says the max load etc.

Is this a bad idea?

Click to expand...

Simple questions need simple answers guys..... NO, you cannot plug 2 1000 watt ballasts into one standard power strip. Standard power strips can handle 1500 to 1750 watts. So it would not be enough. I ran two 600 watt electric dimmable ballasts from same power strip. After a few weeks I turned one to 1000watts... so I was running 600 watt and 1000 watt on same power strip total of 1600 watts. The power strip was ratted for only 1500, it never tripped but after a week it started melting and was very fn' hot. So my point is you can wait to almost start a fire or just play it safe use one 1000watt per power strip. Also don't buy the cheap strips, get a good brand they are only like 5$.

If you don't wanna mess with ur breaker just run an extension cord from an outlet on a different fuse. It's most definitely cheaper than rewiring shit.

well that can be done it's definitely not the ideal option.running your lights on different circuits means different timers and having to synchronize them. It also means that you have trip hazards and the possibility of water on the floor is much higher then water on the walls so if you do use cords run them up off the floor and out of the way. Never put more than a single 1000 Water on a 14 gauge cord. Use 12 gauge cords if you want to put 2 lights on a 20 amp circuit

it would be much better to use a lighting controller or a sub panel.

Meds4me wrote: after a week it started melting and was very fn' hot

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I had the same thing happen to a cheap timer and I was only running a 400 watt MH on it. It's not just a matter of safety but stealth and security. Firetrucks blow the hell out of secrecy. Go over-sized and be safe.
JD