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Using 400w ballast to run 250w lamps?
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Posted by dcarch (My Page) on Wed, Jun 13, 07 at 10:45
| I wonder what would happen if you run two 250w MH bulb parallel with one 400w ballast?
Electronic ballast probably would not work as it has built-in current/voltage limiting. Magnetic is mostly temperature limiting as long as you can keep it from over heating.
I know it's crazy, but just curious.
dcarch |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Using 400w ballast to run 250w lamps?
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| Every vendor says not to mix and match ballast and bulb sizes. I would have a fire extinguisher and a checkbook with money for replacement parts handy before I tried this. |
RE: Using 400w ballast to run 250w lamps?
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| Starting might be a problem. Metal halides in general are extremely inefficient when under-driven and usually fail quite quickly. |
RE: Using 400w ballast to run 250w lamps?
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There is some truth in what you are saying. I advise whoever intends to do something out of ordinary, had better know the basics of the technical stuff. This will include all you guys doing over-driving fixtures, because that's not what the manufacturers recommend.
As a matter of fact, there is not one thing you can operate if you strickly adhere to what the manufacturers' directions. Because of law suits, they alway put in all kinds of no-nos. Magnetic transformers will absolutely burn up if you don't have a way to cool it down if you draw too much current. The idea most likely would not work because there may not be enough "kick" to fire up two bulbs. It would be nice if it works. dcarch |
RE: Using 400w ballast to run 250w lamps?
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| Why do I entertain such a dumb idea? 1. Ballasts are expensive. It would be nice to just buy one for two bulbs.
2. Ballasts are bulky.
3. Two bulbs will give you much better coverage and less shadow. dcarch |
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