Dumb question on wattage

[FONT=&quot]I have a question, a thicko question to be precise . Where I am now has input AC of 220v So I have bought a step-down converter to 110v to use on my Aqualife T5 lights when they arrive. Not knowing anything about electricity, the converter says 80Watt max. Will this be enough for the lights, or will I have to try and find something with a larger wattage?[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]I know the lights consist of 4 x 54w, but I’m not sure if that means I will have to have a converter greater then 216w.
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[FONT=&quot]Like I said, sorry for the dumb question[/FONT]

 

There is no such thing as a dumb question. It is my opinion that you would need to buy a bigger step-down converter. I would PM member 2in10 or steve wright to be sure though.

 

Not a silly question at all, mabbus. The 80W max on your converter iis your limitation. That means if you exceed 80W, you risk a tripped breaker or at worst, an electrical fire. I'm not sure what you are using to convert from 220V to 120V, but I suppose it's a step-down transformer. Transformers don't necessarily have their own overcurrent protection built-in. If you're stepping the voltage down from 220 to 120, you'll be increasing the amperage draw on the circuit breaker feeding the transformer. This works in your favor in a safety sense, since the breaker feeding the circuit will likely trip before the transformer overheats.

Can you find a greater capacity converter?

 

Do you happen to know much about the ballast of your T5 fixture? Is it electronic or magnetic? I bet you could easily rewire it for the voltage there and forgo the converter.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

@ReefSparky, There is an automatic thermal fuse protection, that is supposed to cut in and stop the risk of a fire. But I'm sure I can find one with a higher wattage, if not there's always ebay.

@gabbagabbawill, you lost me at ballast , I have no idea to be honest, all I can say is it is the AquaticLife T5 24". As for rewiring, the fact I had to ask the question about 80w, shows best I not try anything like that

Thanks again, I will seek out something that has a higher wattage, I have a week before the lights arrive

 

Everyone is correct you will need atleast what your lights will draw I would add abit just to be safe. As for rewiring the ballast it. May or may not be doable.they may fill the ballast with epoxy or something similar to prevent tampering and or design stealing.it may also void your warranty.either way if you are not confident in electrical work I would go the other route because of the risks.

 

The 24" aquitic life T5's arent 54w's the 48" are, but I can look when i get home for you on one of my 24" lights and see if that can be rewired for 220v. Its pretty east to find the ballast on these fixtures you take the 4 screws out of the top and it will be right there.

 

If I'm not mistaken, gabba is an electrician also. I'm pretty confident he's alluding to the possibility that the ballast has multi-tap capability. Changing the incoming/outgoing voltage for these involves only choosing the correct wire (tap) to attach upon connection. These ballasts have provisions for 120, 208, 220, and 277V.

FWIW, I've never seen a multitapping electronic ballast for halides. They're out there in the field for other HID lights, but sadly not for ours.

And to the original poster, good for you for keeping it safe!! Knowing our limitations is the first step to not burning down the house.