ckmullin Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 I'm curious if anyone has the ability to measure the watts used for their t5 ho fixture. My fixture has specs of 216w (4x54w) and it reads when all four are lit only 152 watts. My first date with a 5t ho fixture so dunno if this is correct or if the fixture is wonky. I use this product to measure and it's proven to be accurate and reliable in the past, so I have no reason to think it's wrong. http://www.canadiant...nergy Meter.jsp so...whatcha think? do your spec watts align with the actual drawn watts? ty for the view! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayba Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 Keep in mind wattage is derived from voltage (v) and current (I). So to keep it simple W=V*I Then factor in any capacitive or reactive load that the ballast adds which will give you your power factor, which essentially will be losses your little gizmo won't see. It will not deduct or add the power factor losses. So to get a true reading without the triganomitry you could meter the sockets, but wouldnt recomend unless you have a meter rated for the voltage the lamp runs at. So I wouldn't try that one at home. So, the easiest way to say how it works, is 'it's magic' Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jewels Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 I have`a 'kill-a-watt' metre. It measures a 660 Ice Cap @ 300Watts when paired with 4 x 54 bulbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jayba Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 (edited) Mmmm ice cap. Lol Another couple things, the max power would be the most it would put out, including starting a cold lamp. Once warmed up that would drop. Kinda like fuel economy when accelerating versus cruising at speed. Edited June 4, 2012 by Jayba Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcgd Posted June 4, 2012 Report Share Posted June 4, 2012 (edited) Is this your Oddysea fixture? It's likely driving them at NO. You should be pulling 112 watts plus change for waste and the fans. I just got a DIY "Good enough par meter" today that I can use to measure your par. I want to gather as much info as possible about different light sources. Edited June 4, 2012 by jcgd Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ckmullin Posted June 5, 2012 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 yes that Oddyesa. perhaps we can borrow each others meters. I'll grab your par and i'll bring my watt meter ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jcgd Posted June 5, 2012 Report Share Posted June 5, 2012 Hmm. Well j just got It so I want to play with it for a couple days before I lend it. Ate you doing the home tour? I was gonna bring it along. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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