Need help with Wiring and bulbs!

[mattman]

Hello all,
I came across a fixture that holds three cfl tube lights. I was wondering if I could use t5's in it (bc they are the best cfl for growth) also, I was wondering how I could wire this thing to an extension cord so that I could just plug it in to a socket. Any help would be appreciated!

Thanks - pics attached

 

[mullup07]

best a electrician shows ,tells you

 

[mattman]

I have in the past spliced wires for this type of setup, but im unfamiliar with this fixture.

 

[mattman]

I think the two orange things are for each side of the light. On one side of the light there is 1 spot for a cfl and on the other there is two spots for two cfls.

 

[Danielsgb]

It is for a t-8 not t-5. Different spacing for the ends and different ballasts. Yes It could be wired to a extension cord, but use a heavier one not a POS one.
Daniels

 

[mattman]

It is for a t-8 not t-5. Different spacing for the ends and different ballasts. Yes It could be wired to a extension cord, but use a heavier one not a POS one.
Daniels

when you say heavier one, like a more expensive one? Also, would I need two extension cords for each orange cord?

 

[Danielsgb]

when you say heavier one, like a more expensive one? Also, would I need two extension cords for each orange cord?

The cord says how far and watts. Same amount of power over a farther distance needs thicker wire, if that makes sense. Only one cord is needed for 2 t-8 bulbs. I can't see the wiring to explain.

 

[mattman]

The cord says how far and watts. Same amount of power over a farther distance needs thicker wire, if that makes sense. Only one cord is needed for 2 t-8 bulbs. I can't see the wiring to explain.

So just to be safe I should get a cord that can support more watts than what the fixture needs? Also, What could I do to show u the wires? I took a pic of the ones I pulled out of the top.. can you see that or is that not good enough?

Also, when I get this thing running, should I leave the plastic cover that is in front of the lights or take it off?

Thx alot for the help! +rep 4 sure

 

[mattman]

Also there is three t-8 bulbs... 2 one 1 side and 1 on the other.

 

[DrtyBngWtr]

black is gold! gold is money. white is neutral .(<------ is for 120v only) the blue and red/orange connect to both ends of your tubes. If thats only a 3 bulb your standard orange 1750 watt ext. cord will be fine.

 

[mattman]

so I should cut those orange tips off and splice it? Do I need two extension cords, bc of the fact that their is two orange tips?

 

[Danielsgb]

So just to be safe I should get a cord that can support more watts than what the fixture needs? Also, What could I do to show u the wires? I took a pic of the ones I pulled out of the top.. can you see that or is that not good enough?

Also, when I get this thing running, should I leave the plastic cover that is in front of the lights or take it off?

Thx alot for the help! +rep 4 sure

Yep cord rated over is always better, but your still only talking 3 t-8 @ even 100w so most even medium duty ext cords are 1200w range.
You want the plastic cover off, they block lumens.

so I should cut those orange tips off and splice it? Do I need two extension cords, bc of the fact that their is two orange tips?

Are those orange wires the ones for the bulb? If so No. What you need to do is wire the ext. cord to power the ballast. Semi-heavy transformer that buzzes & gets warm. The power from the outlet is 120v to power the ballast which lights the 3 bulbs. Pic of ballast (maybe 3 separate ones) would help.
Maybe do some research on a non-cannabis site for DIY electronics florescent to see how they wire them up.
Hope that helps.
Daniels