add outlets to light controller?

Im going to be switching all my lights to 600s and adding lights. Problem is my controller only has 8 outlets. So can I run more than 8 lights on it? I'd like to run 12 instead. I was going to use those multiple plug in outlets but I cannot have a fire. Would it be OK?

As long as your amp draw doesn't exceed the controllers max constant duty.

OK. So "technically" I could plug 6 surge plugs into my controller and plug 12 lights into that?

Thats a lot of power to be switching, I'd recommend first making sure you have a properly sized circuit to handle that kind of load, and properly sized wire corresponding to the breaker. Thats 30 amps, at 240v assuming 100% efficiency, and all 12 on at the same time. Don't even think about running this all on 120v. Minimum wire size, depending on type and length of run will most likely be #8, although in most cases you'll end up having to use #6. Yes, 10 wire is rated for 30a but running conductors/equipment at 100% rated capacities is never a good idea, and will get you code violations, heat, shorter equipment life, and fires more often than not.

The easiest, cheapest way to get set up for those would be to get a correctly sized circuit into your grow area, and hook it up to a heavy duty contactor(at least 40a rated), and use the lighting controller/timer to trigger the 120v coil. On the load side, run the wires to a box with 12 outlets for your ballasts to plug into. You can pull 120v from one of the 240 legs for this, which I would highly recommend so you can avoid having high potentials in close proximity to each other on different circuits. Those kind of shorts/faults can get real ugly in a hurry.

I have a 50 amp breaker going to my controller on a #6 wire. I know what I need to and then some. Just not sure best way to modify my switch. I was thinking of going with all adjustable 1000w ballasts so I have more options in future. But I wanted to add more lights, like 12 lights instead of 8, run them on 50 or 75%.

I guess it's just time for a bigger controller smdh...

Is a 16kw controller use a 100 amp breaker and #4 wire? Thanks!