running cobs parallel fused?

frankslan

Well-Known Member
So Im thinking of running three 36 volt vero 29s at 2.8 amps on a driver that has cc 36 volts * 8.9.
Ive been reading about thermal run away but will this work if I add a fuse in between each cob of 3amps.

I like the cc driver because I will be able to add more cobs later and lower the amps when I have more cash for cobs.
 

freemanjack

Well-Known Member
So Im thinking of running three 36 volt vero 29s at 2.8 amps on a driver that has cc 36 volts * 8.9.
Ive been reading about thermal run away but will this work if I add a fuse in between each cob of 3amps.

I like the cc driver because I will be able to add more cobs later and lower the amps when I have more cash for cobs.
With Vero 29's, providing you are running at rated nominal drive current (or there abouts) and have adequate heatsinking and are running more than 2 cob's per driver, a fuse is entirely unnecessary at the CoB. Thermal runaway only occurs with inadequate cooling and vero's are fuckin bomb proof!! take a look at the spec sheet and see the MAXIMUM ratings, 200% forward current? meh, not an issue, 150c junction temps? meh, might be a bit warm but I'm part LED, part honey badger!!
 

CobKits

Well-Known Member
are you on 480V power? that driver needs 180V minimum

HLG series is 100-300V and is more common
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
oh no Im in america 120volts thanks for the help Ill have to pick a diff driver.

Ill go with this one probably
HLG-320H-36

So the A drivers you can adjust voltage. Does it also allow you to lower the amperage?
 
Last edited:

CobKits

Well-Known Member
yes they have current and voltage adjustment.

hvgs arent for different countries, theyd be for warehouses and streetlights and such where higher voltage is more common
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
yes they have current and voltage adjustment.

hvgs arent for different countries, theyd be for warehouses and streetlights and such where higher voltage is more common
Hey so my vero 29 are actually 38 volts would the HLG-320H-36A be better or the HLG-320H-40A.
It says the h-36 can go up to 39 volt. The h-40 goes from 38-45 volt. I guessing it doesnt matter each will work?
 

CobKits

Well-Known Member
if both the 36 and the 40 hit the voltage range you need, select the 36 as it will

a. have more current
b. provide foolproof current limiting thru voltage top-out in many cases
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
if both the 36 and the 40 hit the voltage range you need, select the 36 as it will

a. have more current
b. provide foolproof current limiting thru voltage top-out in many cases
got it thanks just wanted to double check before I pulled the trigger. I thought they were 36 volt this whole time.
 

CobKits

Well-Known Member
"B" versions dont go over 36/42/48/52/etc

"A versions adjust above the nominal rating. see datrasheet
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
Thanks man youve been so helpful. I was wondering about the b version i thought maybe it just ment you had to make your own dimmer. Learning a lot. Thanks!
 

grouch

Well-Known Member
As others have said, the veros could probably handle more amperage if you do have a run away. If you wanted to limit potentially damaging equipment and or plants under equipment than a 2 amp fuse wouldn't be a bad idea imo. The downside would be leaving the plants with no light if you have a failure, but you wouldn't fry the plant if it got full power directly from one cob.
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
I ordered 3 amp fuses I plan to run 3 vero 29s at 2.8 amps for a total of 2 drivers and 6 cobs for a 4by4. To start with Im going with 4 on one driver so 2.1 to start off with in veg till I have more money. I wonder if I even need fuses at all then. Like lets say there was thermal run away how far could it even go.

Idk I have the fuses now so no worries, I bought 100 watt heatsinks too so heat shouldn't be an issue.
 

grouch

Well-Known Member
With 3 amp fuses it could go all the way to the 2.8 amp output of your driver to just one cob
 

frankslan

Well-Known Member
"B" versions dont go over 36/42/48/52/etc

"A versions adjust above the nominal rating. see datrasheet
So since this is running at 38 volts 8 amps what size wire do I need. I picked up some Stranded Hook-Up Wire Kit, 300V would this work fine? I figure I can use this from my distribution block to the cobs at least.


If I wanted to run the driver remotely what size would I need. I watched grow mouse vid he says 16 agw solid core for ten feet. He builds at high voltage.
 
Top