Apex outlet question

J Rog · Oct 19, 2017

Hi everyone, just got my new build up and going and I’m trying to go though and set up my apex classic for it. I was just wondering what you are plugging into the 10amp outlets? I wasn’t sure if I should run my ATI T5 (6 bulb, 39watt) and the fixture fan on the 10amp? Or is that really not needed? I also have a 200w heater I wasn’t sure if I should put into a 10amp. Any advice would be awesome. Thanks!

jml1149 · Oct 19, 2017

I generally reserve the 10A outlets for the smallest loads that require the mechanical contacts to turn on and off, like my RODI input valve or BRS 1.1mL/min doser.

It does seem ironic that the largest capacity outlets are reserved for the smallest loads, but such is the case with TRIACs.

That being said, you should be fine running either your lights or the 200W heater, I run a two 300W heaters on two TRIAC outlets no problem. I also run my 4 bulb 54W T5 fixture, which is pretty close to your 6 bulb 39W fixture.

I think the TRIACs are rated to 5A? So 5 x 120 = 600W, but really, lets put a 70% derating in there to account for what the equipment vendors don't tell us, and call it about 420W. I would be comfortable putting an "advertised" 420W load on the TRIAC switches, and higher if I could confirm that the draw from the wall was less than 600W, not just the end rating of the device.

J Rog · Oct 19, 2017

jml1149 said:
I generally reserve the 10A outlets for the smallest loads that require the mechanical contacts to turn on and off, like my RODI input valve or BRS 1.1mL/min doser.

It does seem ironic that the largest capacity outlets are reserved for the smallest loads, but such is the case with TRIACs.

That being said, you should be fine running either your lights or the 200W heater, I run a two 300W heaters on two TRIAC outlets no problem. I also run my 4 bulb 54W T5 fixture, which is pretty close to your 6 bulb 39W fixture.

I think the TRIACs are rated to 5A? So 5 x 120 = 600W, but really, lets put a 70% derating in there to account for what the equipment vendors don't tell us, and call it about 420W. I would be comfortable putting an "advertised" 420W load on the TRIAC switches, and higher if I could confirm that the draw from the wall was less than 600W, not just the end rating of the device.

Awesome! Thanks so much!!

jml1149 · Oct 19, 2017

No problem! Let me know if you need anything else!

J Rog · Oct 19, 2017

jml1149 said:
No problem! Let me know if you need anything else!

Actually I’m trying to do a firmware update but it’s not happening.. It says a network can’t be reach and it’s locked out of the controller.. but I have everything hard wired to my router. I installed the application and it found my controller. Have you had this issue?

jml1149 · Oct 19, 2017

Oh man networking issues are not my forte but I'll give it a shot...

Do you know the IP address of the base unit? Can you log into the Classic dashboard?

Salty1962 · Oct 19, 2017

My pumps.

J Rog · Oct 20, 2017

jml1149 said:
Oh man networking issues are not my forte but I'll give it a shot...

Do you know the IP address of the base unit? Can you log into the Classic dashboard?

I gave up on it for the night last night.. lol but I will check when I attempt another go around tonight.. lol thank you!