surge protectors

[jzoboyle]

hello, i was wondering what the importance is of using a surge protector for my ballasts. I just got a new 600 watt digital greenhouse ballast and it came with a sticker that said to please use a surge protector.

So i have two 600 watts and one 1000 watt all on one breaker. All seemed to be ok. but then i put all three of those lights on the same surge protector, and when they are just about fully powered up, the surge protector shuts off. So now im wondering if i need to be concerned for fire issues or anything? i just plugged all the lights back in to there own outlets and all seems to be running smooth again.

 

[DrFever]

well obviously your surge protector is not rated for the amount of wattage ir amps that you are using you should have a surge protector for each one rather then putting main power to one surge protector then putting all that power to it

A 15 amp circuit can handle a maximum of 1800 watts.

 

[ishnish]

:yeahthat:
There should be a tag near the plug of the surge protector that has the ratings listed. Extension cords as well if your using any. I only run about 50% of the cords/protectors rating just to be on the safe side.

:lama:

 

[jzoboyle]

Thanks guys. I should of studied on this along time ago. It looks like I have about 2500 watts on one breaker. I'm not sure how many amps that particular breaker is. I guess I should rearange my plugs? And Im pretty sure I have a few surge protectors; so ill have each ballast plugged into its own one. What good is that doing I wonder rather than having them plugged straight in the wall?

 

[MR1]

It protects your equipment from any type of surge that might get fed into your power supply.

 

[jzoboyle]

Ah ok that makes sense. So it protects against any sort of surge; making your equiptment last longer I'm guessing. And helps better prevent fires? How is an electrical fire usually caused?

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

Electrical fire are usually caused by putting too much on one circuit and/or timers, surge protectors, etc that are not rated for the amperage you are using and/or electrical cords that are not heavy enough gauge for the electrical device you are using. Basically putting too much of a load on anything electrical can cause overheating and a fire. It is important to know the amperage of the breaker you are using and not overload it. I have a 20 amp dedicated circuit that I use for a single closet.