Thanks for the detailed reply, very well explained and the calculations are very helpful.
About my safety concerns... I've dug in my old posts to remember why I went with series wiring in my previous setup.
I bought a kit of 4x QB288 and it came with a HLG-480H-48B driver designed for parallel wiring.
After receiving my order, I have read an article mentioning series wiring was safer. So I started freaking out and bought two HLG-240H-C2100B instead
I asked on this forum to confirm series wiring is safer than parallel with my previous setup, here's the thread:
https://www.ledgardener.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=8798
So I understand it's a completely different setup and the concerns may not be the same, but I just want to confirm
IMO, The only electrical "advantage" of Series wiring is "lower Amperage" due to "higher Volts"
If I go with parallel wiring for this setup, is there any fire or safety risk if one of the strip is disconnected and the power overloads the rest of the strips? I've read that it could be an issue and if I remember correctly they were recommending to add a fuse for safety.
Its better to use an inexpensive 0 - 200,000 Digital Lux Meter, most Lux Meter Apps are not accurate, Korona is an exception (has a light diffuser)...
https://growlightmeter.com/
Not available on Android unfortunately
Is there any reliable meter I can buy in Canada?
This one seems to have good ratings, do you think it's worth buying it? amazon .ca/BTMETER-BT-881D-Illuminance-0-01-400-Luxmeter/dp/B07QGTLYM9/
4. The -AB suffix XLG and HLG series Meanwell Drivers can be "Current Limited" down to 50% (-A) and then Dimmed between "0 or 10 - 100%" (-B), e.g., HLG-480H-AB can be current adjusted down to 240 Watts (-A, 50%) and then also Dimmed 0 - 240 Watts (-B, 0 - 100%) with a connected 100K Ohm Pot. The -B suffix Drivers are a more versatile alternative than the -A suffix Drivers, can be dimmed down to 0 or 10% (0 Watts for the HLG-480H-48B) with the added 100K Ohm Pot and (IMO) should be the only other alternative to the -AB suffix drivers if dimming is required.
I would prefer to have dimming with a potentiometer. Sorry, forgot to mention it.
I have three extra HLG-240H-C2100B laying around because I was a noob and bought the wrong items for another project (that's why I came on this forum before making another mistake
)
Can I use one of them with my 3-shelves project, without any compromise on safety?
I also have an extra 100k OHM Potentiometer so i would only buy the strips from Digikey