Benzelsanswered grow question 3 years ago The most basic way to check is to turn the light on and let it run for 15-20 mins, then put your hand the same distance away you want to put your plants and leave your hand there for a good 60 -90 seconds or even longer if you can and if your skin doesnt feel warm then its fine. Generally unless your light is very weak- ive never heard of anyone running a decent light closer than 12 inches and unless its very, very powerful, no further than 24 inches. So somewhere in that range depending on how powerful it is. Most lights in the 100-350W range are around 14-18 inches away and just fine.