CFL Wiring and Setup

So, this will be my first post as I'm a newbie around these parts. I have gathered and learned a lot from everybody here so far, but still have a few gaps to fill in. So onto my question(s).

My setup is as follows:
2'x2'x2' Veg and Flower Chamber
For Veg I have 8 23W 6500K CFL with 4 26W 5000K CFL
For Flower I have 12 27W 2700 CFL

My question is regarding the wiring to set this up correctly. The calculations I worked out for both sides come to 288W for VEG and 324W for Flower leading to 612W total for both sides. I have a 20A breaker setup (which would allow for 2200W max to pass through before tripping by Ohm's Law), which is plenty by my calculations (a total of 5.57A would run if both sides are on). I initially bought a 25' strand of 12/2 AWG wire, but I truly think that is overkill since I'm using CFLs. However, I have two 25' rolls of lamp wire (16/2 AWG) rated for up to 300 Volts. Since this is my first time wiring anything electric to this magnitude, I don't feel like burning my place down lol.. So would it be safe to use the lamp wire instead of the 12/2 wire? I will be running everything in parallel and will not employ the use of a switch, just a normal household plug with a timer. Also, each base will have a Y-Splitter so that they hold 2 lamps instead of one. I also do not intend to have both sides on at once if possible (and will more than likely have each side on a different circuit as another safeguard). Also, I know everything I've read says to use WIRE NUTS for connections, however, would it be safe to use soldered connections instead? (much easier and cleaner setup IMO since I've mastered that skill)..I think that is all for now, but will be back frequently if I need consultation. Pics posted of current progress (order of pics: veg, flower, both)

I pretty sure that as long as you insulated where you solder it should be fine.
Cheers

TheBeardedStoner said:

I pretty sure that as long as you insulated where you solder it should be fine.
Cheers

Click to expand...

Thanks beard and scales clicked ...anybody else have input about the wiring I'll be using?

its all good just make sure all wires are insulated u dont want ur grow room to burn down ur home, 1 suggestion... i would have made the lights adjustable rather then screwed to the wall.

Ok thanks weed...and actually all of the lights can be adjusted..you can't tell in the photos but there are multiple hooks setup around the inside to allow for different heights...they are hanging on the lower hooks right now...figured I might need to move them around when I start my first grow so I planned for that now . Thanks for the help you two...and if anybody else wants to voice an opinion I'm an open book since it'll be my first rodeo

u think those 2 PC fans will exhaust the heat i dont see if so... i use a 10x23w and use a 6 inch can fan to exhaust the heat. and its still 83F in there with my bedroom being 70F.

IF you truly want to feel safe, I would use the 12/2, sure it's an overkill but best feel safe, soldering def is your best bet, and yes make sure it's insulated after....best of luck.

@weed: I feel like they should do the trick since they are rated at approx 75cfm where my space is slightly under 8 cubic feet..im hoping they should be able to exchange the air with fresh, cool air without a problem..I was planning on doing some test runs to watch the temp and adjust if need be..my room stays around 70 now, but it gets down to 60 during cold months...trial and error seems to be the way to go right now...once ready, I'll update with my trials...shooting for middle of Nov

@dee: I thought about using the 12/2 for wiring all 12 cfls together which would put an increased load in the wire...after deep thought lol, I decided to wire each group of lights as a separate entity leaving me with 3 plugs per side (=4 lights/plug) instead of two with 12 lights/plug. This would cut the load by a third so I feel it should be safe...again trial and error here...if it doesn't look like the wire will hold, I'll cuss myself and re-wire lol...used to working myself double anyways lol