Ideas and direction for grow box wiring

[toddt429]

I am making a grow box to start early spring crops in. It will also double as a honey de-crystalizer.
It has 3 shelves. Each shelf will have 2 pair of lights. I'd like each shelf to be able to be turned on and off independently without multiple circuits.
I could simply put a power strip on the back of the cabinet and plug and unplug as needed, but I'd like to avoid that. It's, to me a little hack.
How could I plug the unit into a 20amp receptacle and then be able to turn each shelf on and off independently? Is there a switch type device I could use? If not, could I please get some ideas on how you would do this?
Thank You, folks.
Todd

 

[dave*99]

I have a product similar to this. I control photo studio LED lights with it.

Wireless Remote Control Outlet (Learning Code, 3Rx-1Tx) 1200W/10A BN-LINK

Century Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch for Household Appliances, White (Learning Code, 3Rx-1Tx)

www.bn-link.com

 

[toddt429]

Wow! That seems like a really good option. Thank You!

 

[no704]

I’ve seen power strips with switches on each plug.

 

[toddt429]

I’ve seen power strips with switches on each plug.

I'll look for them. Kinda like the old computer power stations I suppose.

 

[dave*99]

Here is a rack mount PDU. Read reviews carefully. Some are cheaply made.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D83RS58P?tag=atomicindus08-20

Maybe Tripp-Lite makes a better unit.
What is the power consumption of the lights?

 

[toddt429]

Here is a rack mount PDU. Read reviews carefully. Some are cheaply made.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D83RS58P?tag=atomicindus08-20

Maybe Tripp-Lite makes a better unit.
What is the power consumption of the lights?

This is great. I'll add up all the wattage tomorrow. I'll be using grow matts as well. If I have to run 2 circuits and two pdu, I'm OK with that. Thank you for this.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

a lighting contactor feeding a receptacle in each row, with a timer or wall switch controlling the coil in the contactor.

 

[toddt429]

a lighting contactor feeding a receptacle in each row, with a timer or wall switch controlling the coil in the contactor.

I'm probably going to go with the power strip options for now as It is a bit time sensitive. Gotta get my seedlings started. Thank you for showing me the lighting contactor. I will definitely be using this in the future. I'll be saving your response as a reference on how to build the next 1. Thanks!

 

[knobby]

I am making a grow box to start early spring crops in. It will also double as a honey de-crystalizer.
It has 3 shelves. Each shelf will have 2 pair of lights. I'd like each shelf to be able to be turned on and off independently without multiple circuits.
I could simply put a power strip on the back of the cabinet and plug and unplug as needed, but I'd like to avoid that. It's, to me a little hack.
How could I plug the unit into a 20amp receptacle and then be able to turn each shelf on and off independently? Is there a switch type device I could use? If not, could I please get some ideas on how you would do this?
Thank You, folks.
Todd

The most important question would be what are the two lights that you want controlled.
If they are low amperage the wireless controllers from post #2 would do it fine.
If they draw more than say 4 amps per pair post #8 would be the safe and reliable solution.

 

[toddt429]

I will check, but they are leds so I'm sure very low amperage. The heat mats and heat bulbs will all be on another 20 amp outlet.

 

[hobie18]

Seedlings now? Location?
I just pulled the canna lilies.
Not that I have any idea what to do with them...

 

[toddt429]

Seedlings now? Location?
I just pulled the canna lilies.
Not that I have any idea what to do with them...

7b virginia. Brussel sprouts, carrot and onions. Anything that can handle down to low 20s in 8 weeks. I'll have row covers ready to go if needed. I always back up and start more a few weeks later encase of a catastrophic loss. I'm a market grower and like to try to have some produce by April markets.

 

[hobie18]

Thank you!
Different planet. We are lucky to be able to do garden clean-up this late. Should be frozen and covered until maybe mother's day.

 

[toddt429]

Thank you!
Different planet. We are lucky to be able to do garden clean-up this late. Should be frozen and covered until maybe mother's day.

I moved 2 states south to get away from North East winter nonsense lol.

 

[JCU]

AC infinity has a receptacle that can be controlled automatically. They released a new WiFi controller; the old ones are almost free when you buy an exhaust fan (inc temp/hum probe); and automation. I would add a fan to control air exchange and control temp and humidity. Links below.
Fan
Outlet

 

[toddt429]

AC infinity has a receptacle that can be controlled automatically. They released a new WiFi controller; the old ones are almost free when you buy an exhaust fan (inc temp/hum probe); and automation. I would add a fan to control air exchange and control temp and humidity. Links below.
Fan
Outlet

Thank You. A fan is included in my build. I will certainly check out that product. The one I'm building is sort of a prototype (2x4). If it goes well, I'll be making this on a much larger scale (like walk in type). Thanks for your valuable input on this.