Maxing out the watts on Energy bar

[atomic081]

So I have 5 400w Metal Halides I want to run off my Apex (they have a dedicated circuit). I bought a new energy bar for these but i now read that it can only handle 1500 total watts. So i did a test and turned on all my heaters (1250 watts) and my return pump (350watts). It wouldnt let all the heaters work at once, keeping its right around 1500 watts total.

SO Im considering putting my 2 of the Metal Halides on my other curcuit with my return pump and heaters. Can i set the heaters not to ever turn on if the Halides are on?

I might just have to buy a 3rd energy bar......grrrrr

 

[Mhart032]

Sure you can.

If Outlet (outlet name) = ON Then OFF
If Outlet (outlet name) = OFF Then ON

So

In your heater outlets

If Outlet MH1 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet MH1 = OFF Then ON
If Outlet MH2 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet MH2 = OFF Then ON
If Outlet MH3 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet MH3 = OFF Then ON
If Outlet MH4 = ON Then OFF
If Outlet MH4 = OFF Then ON

and so on for each heater outlet.

You can do it based on time as well depending on your light schedule.

 

[KStatefan]

Could you add contactor and remove the load from the energybar?

 

[atomic081]

Can you explain this please.

Could you add contactor and remove the load from the energybar?

 

[GlassMunky]

Couldn’t you just use 2 different energy bars and split the load up evenly between the 2?

 

[atomic081]

Couldn’t you just use 2 different energy bars and split the load up evenly between the 2?

I already have 2, I am trying to not buy a 3rd since I only have 2 circuits dedicated for the lights and heaters/return. I guess i didn't make that clear....oops ;Facepalm

 

[KStatefan]

Can you explain this please.

I was talking about using a relay or a contactor to switch the high load of your light. The control side would be on your energybar. I am sure there are some threads here about building one.

In the above sample image your energybar would poer the coil and your lights would be hooked up to the normally open side.

 

[ca1ore]

Or use something like this .....

https://www.gardensupplyguys.com/pr...ower-expander-15-amp-9-cs?variant=22401622017

 

[ambientaquatics.adam]

I was talking about using a relay or a contactor to switch the high load of your light. The control side would be on your energybar. I am sure there are some threads here about building one.

In the above sample image your energybar would poer the coil and your lights would be hooked up to the normally open side.

That's actually a good idea. I was wondering since I went halide my self what I would do if I needed more juice. Relay is such an obvious answer lol