T5 Cabling Solution

[carlos_fb]

I got a T5 Tek retrofit kit 4x54 that I plan to add to my canopy. I'm thinking on installing the ballasts in the stand to avoid overheating problems. The thing is that if I do this, I am not going to me able to remove the canopy when I need to work on the tank.

I was wondering if there's any way around this?

 

[DonW]

You can easily wire them with bulk power cord. Then just install a male and female cord connection where ever is easiest.

Don

 

[carlos_fb]

Remember that I have 8 cables going from the lamps down to the ballasts.

 

[DonW]

Remember that I have 8 cables going from the lamps down to the ballasts.

8 wires or 8 pairs of wire?

Don

 

[carlos_fb]

4 pairs, 8 cables total.

 

[DonW]

4 pairs, 8 cables total.

You can get 4 conductor wire at HD and 4 conductor twist lock connectors.

Don

 

[carlos_fb]

where can I see a picture of these things?

 

[james734]

Similar to this but a 4 conductor..

http://www.homedepot.com/prel80/HDUS/EN_US/diy_main/pg_diy.jsp?BV_SessionID=@@@@1238540640.1161029673@@@@&BV_EngineID=ccdjaddjdmlkmidcgelceffdfgidgkj.0&CNTTYPE=PROD_META&CNTKEY=misc/searchResults.jsp&MID=9876&N=2984+3004&pos=n04

 

[james734]

Here's one at Lowes that is a 4 wire/conductor.
http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=197507-334-L1430C-L&lpage=none

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.reeffrontiers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1770

You can do something like in this thread, little smaller connections, look at towards the end of the thread.

 

[dpaynter]

Take a look at Molex connectors. You can get them at FRY's or an electronics store for a few bucks. They come in different sizes with different numbers of connectors. I use the 2-wire and 6-wire for my lighting and fans.

(Scooterman types faster.)

 

[Scooterman]

http://www.action-electronics.com/molex.htm

try these

 

[DonW]

http://www.action-electronics.com/molex.htm

try these

Scooterman,

Not to hijack the thread, but is there any harm in extending the cord going to the bulb on a halide three feet without changing the wire size.

Thanks
Don

 

[carlos_fb]

I can't believe having worked with computer for some many years I didn't think of it. MOLEX is the answer!!!

You guys are great, thanks!

 

[Scooterman]

Scooterman,

Not to hijack the thread, but is there any harm in extending the cord going to the bulb on a halide three feet without changing the wire size.

Thanks
Don

as long as your going with the same gauge you should be plenty ok. 14g wire is good for 15amps I want to say up to about 50 60 feet, probably more before you have to consider the voltage drop.

 

[DonW]

as long as your going with the same gauge you should be plenty ok. 14g wire is good for 15amps I want to say up to about 50 60 feet, probably more before you have to consider the voltage drop.

Thanks, I'm just being cheap and lazy, but still need to be safe.

Don