First PC grow case - Advice needed re: electrics, Ventilation

[jabolo]

View attachment 2702679

Hi,

1. New to this forum and looking for some help on electrical setup.
   
   Im building a pc grow box, have setup the lights - I never did any electrical work before so would like to check if I did it right before I start vegging.
   
   Lights electrical setup (CFL):
   
   I used 3 wall sockets which I fixed to the top of my Pc grow case (a plywood fixed to the 'ceiling', then the wall plugs strapped onto the plywood). The bulbs will go into the wall sockets (via adaptors). The wall sockets are each connected (using the red and black wires inside the white isolating plastic) to a splitter (bought the most heavy duty marked 380V) which then connects to a plug. So I have 3 red and 3 blacks going into splitter, coming out as 1 red and 1 black going into plug. For that part I used a thicker elec wire (one that has red, black as well as copper - earth - wire) as I thought that it would be safer. I also bought heavy duty plugs and extensions. Below is a (very ugly) diagram showing the connections i made.
   
   I have yet to find out how to upload pictures - it says invalid file...

   

   I've taken photos using my phone. I tried to reduce the file size from 2Mb to 89kb taking the pictures again on lower res. but still it says invalid file..... What am i doing wrong?
   
   
   Question 1a) I would be grateful to anyone who could have a look at the above and tell me if it's okay.
   Question 1b) I am using a timer for the lights, the timer had a 13A rating - is this safe to use? All 3 wallsockets holding the bulbs will be connected to the timer.
   
   
   
   
   I have another question regarding ventilation: I have 2 size 120mm fans, and 5 or 6 size 80mm fans and one 40mm one.
   Im not sure which combo to use for exhaust:
   
   
   1) 3 size 80mm fans OR
   2) 1 size 120mm fan?
   
   
   Question 1: Are 3 medium fans more efficient than 1 large(r) fan?
   
   
   I cant tell the rotation speed but i gather that the Ampage on each fan, is an indication of its max rotation speed, right?
   If so, should i use a 0.27A fan rather than a 0.12A one?
   
   
   Question 2: Should i use fans with higher amp?
   
   
   Powering the fans:
   
   
   I understand that my charger amp rating should be higher than my total amp for all fans connected. E.g. 3 fans at 0.12A = 0.36A total; would need a charger with a rating of at least 0.40A (400mA).
   
   
   Q 3: Is the above correct regarding the amp etc?
   
   
   Now for the voltage. Fans are at 12V. I got a charger that outputs 12V with Amp rating of 1.25A.
   
   Q 4: Is a 12V charger (or adaptor) good for connecting all my fans (as long as the total Amp is below the adaptor's amp rating) ?
   
   
   Q 5:What is the effect of using a lower voltage than 12V?
   
   
   Q 6: As long as my charger's amp rating exceeds my total fan amp rating, does it matter what my charger's voltage is?
   
   
   I apologise if my questions seem stupid or if i used the wrong terminology. This is my first grow and i really want to get it reasonably right (i am dying for a decent herb since moving in a country with extremely poor supply of quality cannabis).
   
   
   I have seen quite a few comprehensive and helpful threads and therefore joined this forum to first get advice and hopefully give some advice too at some point.
   
   
   So thanks in advance for any replies and good luck with your grows!
   
   
   One​

 

[alusash]

I'll stay away from giving any electrical advice, as my way is usually by trial and ERROR...Often resulting in me getting hurt
But some advice on your setup....
KISS - KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID
Less is more on a PC setup, as the reason for a PC setup is stealth growing.
The less light leaking out, the better.
I run two exhaust fans at the top of my PC setup, and just have a passive intake at the bottom/opposite the fans.
Just my 2c....

 

[jabolo]

I'll stay away from giving any electrical advice, as my way is usually by trial and ERROR...Often resulting in me getting hurt
But some advice on your setup....
KISS - KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID
Less is more on a PC setup, as the reason for a PC setup is stealth growing.
The less light leaking out, the better.
I run two exhaust fans at the top of my PC setup, and just have a passive intake at the bottom/opposite the fans.
Just my 2c....

Thanks!

I'm limited on the bulbs I can fit inside the box, only 26W bulbs fit in the space I have (i'm not in Europe or US so unfortunately no comprehensive supply..) ....and only 3 plugs to insert the bulbs, so I guess I'll be using (26wX3) 78W instead of the recommended 100W per plant...

As for the fans, you're only using 2 exhaust fans and no fan for the intake? How does that work out for your temp? What lights are you using? If I can use only 2 fans for exhaust that'd make my setup very simple! And also less light leakage to worry about..

 

[alusash]

Thanks!

I'm limited on the bulbs I can fit inside the box, only 26W bulbs fit in the space I have (i'm not in Europe or US so unfortunately no comprehensive supply..) ....and only 3 plugs to insert the bulbs, so I guess I'll be using (26wX3) 78W instead of the recommended 100W per plant...

As for the fans, you're only using 2 exhaust fans and no fan for the intake? How does that work out for your temp? What lights are you using? If I can use only 2 fans for exhaust that'd make my setup very simple! And also less light leakage to worry about..

I use my PC box for cloning/vegging.
It has 2x 10W T8 floro tubes (350mm) running across the top.
Heat isn't really an issue for me as the floro's run cooler than cfl's.

 

[bb61]

1a- not really a question....
1b- add up all the amps running off of the timer (fans,lights,etc) if they don't add up to 13amps you're ok.
1- it depends on what cfm they are, google your fans and you'll be able to find out
2- yes, if your power block has lower amps than what your powering.... Trouble
3- yes, you can have them run at a lower v without a problem, just not lower amps
4- yes
5- they just won't rotate as fast... Quieter. Helps out if you want to run temps a little bit higher
6- not really an issue, I wouldn't run a 12v fan on a receptacle that feeds it 24v for example. That can cause the motor to burn out

if someone sees something wrong in my responses feel free to correct me

This Thread is a good read and will answer almost and electrical question you have

 

[NHgrowdude]

youre way over thinking the wiring...I used an old cell phone charger...snipped the end off, wired 2 fans to it...BOOYA...power. Just wrap it in electrical tape after...it'll be fine

 

[jabolo]

youre way over thinking the wiring...I used an old cell phone charger...snipped the end off, wired 2 fans to it...BOOYA...power. Just wrap it in electrical tape after...it'll be fine

You are right, i am overthinking it all.

Found a 12v (variable voltage) charger, which I used to connect 3 X 80mm fans for exhaust. Not using a fan for intake finally.

As for the lights, I connected 3 wall sockets in parallel to a timer-plug connected to an extension (which I placed inside the grow box). I'm using really low watt bulbs (3 x 26W blue spectrum bulbs - can't find more Wattage in the size of bulbs that'll fit inside my case) with a timer that says '13A' - I think i'm good to go.

Going to start germinating the seeds now - hoping to get at least one lady

Quick question: If I live in a hot country, do I still need to insulate my box with mylar/car aluminium screen? Can i use alu foil instead?

Thanks!

J.

 

[bb61]

The Mylar/car sunshade is to reflect the light and bounce it around the plant, not used for insulation. Although, the sunshades can insulate. I've never used aluminum foil, the general consensus is that it creates hot spots on your plant.

 

[jabolo]

The Mylar/car sunshade is to reflect the light and bounce it around the plant, not used for insulation. Although, the sunshades can insulate. I've never used aluminum foil, the general consensus is that it creates hot spots on your plant.

Thanks! And think about it, the insulation role of the car sunshade can also be used to keep cool temperatures (not only hot temp.) so i'll just stick to that n see how it goes!

Thanks everyone for the help

J.