using a power board?

[Wrangler556]

I was using a powerboard for 2 600's, 250mm centri, and 2 circulating fans without any problems.... until I added a 2400w heater to the mix(stupid moment, I have them often).... then it cacked itself. The heater was on through the night and when the ballasts fired up, and nice little puff of smoke came out of the powerboard, luckily I was there when it happened, otherwise would messed up my light cycle.

 

 

Best bet is to split your grow gear between different powerpoints/ plugs.... don't learn the harsh way

 

 

 

Wrangler

Edited May 16, 2011 by Wrangler556

[wayno86]

I have seen power boards melted inside, they look fine outside but a mess internally. Due to over loading and just about continuous running of motors (high starting torque for a second or two) off them. I would never use a power board for my lights. Too risky. Ok shoot me down in flames all you sparky's. Just my experience with them over a very long period of time.

 

 

Another thing to bear in mind... bad connections, ie loose fitting plugs in powerpoints, anywhere in the system can also cause overloading. Had that happen in my kitchen,the jug had a dodgy plug on it, didnt fit properly, was a little loose... It didnt trip any circuit breakers, or the overload on the powerboard, went to unplug to move the thing, plug and powerboard had melted together as one Replaced plug, bought new powerboard for kitchen no dramas

 

Gotta keep that magic black smoke inside electrical stuff, once it gets out nothing likes to work......

[The Hash Nibbler]

lmao wayno, havent heard the black magic smoke thing for ages. We got a sayin in electronics " If smoke comes out, your in trouble" . . Peace. gh72