Light Controller

Looking for some guidance on building a light controller. I was looking in to buying one but for my needs the market doesn't seem to have anything. I am going to be running one tent of 2x 1000w HPS and another tent of 2x 650w LED. They will be running off my 240v 30amp dryer line. I want to be able to flip flop the tents on 12/12 during the day. One tent on 12 then the other on 12. That is where I run in to the issues with the ones already on the market. The dual relay boxes are the 8 light boxes and require a 50amp input.

I have been doing research the best I can to look inside these boxes to get an idea. Most of the DIY are single relay boxes with one timer. I am guessing I will need to run 2x 15 amp relays in the box and connect them to my 30amp line. Then connect my timer trip lines individually to each relay. That is a guess so far so any guidance would be great.

friendlygrower said:

Most of the DIY are single relay boxes with one timer

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Which DIY ones are you referring to?

nunyabidness420 said:

Which DIY ones are you referring to?

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This one- https://www.hydroponics.net/learn/grow-light-controller.php

$245..... i can't even.....
I might be a bit high right now.
You might want to check the voltage and amp rating and wiring diagram.
Or better yet google double pole double throw relays with a 120vac coil.
If a double pole won't do it for 3? wire 240v then get a triple pole.
If the voltage rating is a bit low for your liking, look for a 380v.
But this should save you a couple hundred bucks when wired up and put in a box.
I would buy multiple units and two individual timers to create but of a gap between one light turning on and the other turning off.

Is there an inrush current for HID ballasts? Might want some overhead on your relay amp rating if there is.

nunyabidness420 said:

Is there an inrush current for HID ballasts? Might want some overhead on your relay amp rating if there is.

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Not sure, but with 15 amps I have about 1600 extra outside of the 2k I am running. I know there is in rush current on the LEDs but I heard the split second it does it won't trip the breaker.

friendlygrower said:

Not sure, but with 15 amps I have about 1600 extra outside of the 2k I am running. I know there is in rush current on the LEDs but I heard the split second it does it won't trip the breaker.

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All good then.
I messed up and went looking for a double throw relay thinking you want the lights to switch simultaneously.
But it might be better to have a bit of a delay between the two.
Two single throws with two timers would be needed in this case.
As for pole, get as many as you have wires to connect and disconnect.

Get yourself a contactor with 120v coil, put the coil on a timer.