New Grower How much electricity is considered too much?

[BillyWu]

Hi folks, I've been planning to upgrade the lights in my tent. However, given the location at which I am (undisclosed, but have a guess), I was wondering...

How much electricity is considered 'too much'? By the term 'too much', I mean 'how much electricity would get me noticed by the police'. A kilowatt (1000w) of light on for 20 hours a day, almost every day of the year would be far too much.

How much do you guys think is a safe bet? I personally think <500w. My computer has a 750w power supply, but it's not on for 20 hours a day! :smoke:

 

[fweedom]

Well how many watts you running now? If you jumped to 1000w or 750w the difference from how many ur running now would be what might draw attention what you got now my dude :smokebuds:

 

[KsjAuto]

Good question
Where do u live 1 bedroom 2/3/4/5/ ????? apartment. house .how many people in the house. what heat's up the house Electricity ????
6 people in a house tent to use more power that a 1 person in a 1 bedroom room. So how much is to much really depends on where an what your living conditions is
O your 750w pc draws maybe 300-350 w max.
What im saying is there is a lot to consider by what is to much use of electricity
Peace

 

[BillyWu]

Right now I run a 250w HPS and two 50w LED UFO's. I live in a 5 person household.

 

[brd1984]

too much electricity i think is determined by when your wallet is empty lol!

 

[The Squid]

I don't think they care unless it's just a ton. A kilowatt isn't that much, the more you use the more they get and they just want your money. There sure are several members on here with 1000watts and over and that's just the lights, not including the fans and all. S, I wouldn't worry Billy Wu. Plus you use LEDs, mate. :smokebuds: Getting paranoid over there? Nah, just playing safe, I know, but unless you had a whole house or 2-3 rooms slap full of plants and lights, I think you're good. :thumbs:

 

[GoAuto6]

when you need sun glasses......,

 

[The Dude]

with 5 people in a household is similar to mine.Ive not run large gear indoors yet.But ive read a few things on the subject though.One rule that ya have to know unless your growing way more than ya should,is that for electricity alone is not often a large deal if you have a reason for the increase if your contacted.Which if theyre is a large enough one to warrant them sayin whatcha runnin,you have to have a plausable reason is really all it winds up being.But again,a lot of variables.I'll be running either 2 600W HPS/MH or two four foot 6 bulb high output T-5's plus fans.But with dimmable ballasts you can push n pull the usage too.I live kinda off the grid'ish so to speak.If i was plannng on a serious grow Id use photovoltaic systems or a generator if your so inclined.I have a Porter Cable genny myself.

Edit:Oh dang LED's. duuh,just saw that.no worries man,your fine if your running LED IMHO.

 

[BillyWu]

Thank all of you for your replies All this info is very useful.

Why are LED's safer to run? If the wattage output is still the same, (i.e.: running a 250w LED panel would use the same amount as a 250w HPS, correct?) then how come LED's are better? Is there something I'm missing here?

 

[fweedom]

personally i think you could run 1000w watts and be ok as long as pay your bills and can keep temps down

i dont think anybody will be to alarmed, i mean where i live its hot and someone moved back in awhile back and they got an a/c window unit which is im sure over 1000+ watts and its on literally all the time...same time thats happening i bought a 600w to replace my 400w and had to run my a/c window unit all the time to manage temps. So im sure my bill went up and more electricity is being used but so far all is good and theyre getting paid more money so i dont think the cops will be involved just my

also might i add idk if you worry about helicopters and heat scans er whatever but i think leds are safer when it comes to that not to sure though i run hps :smokebuds: