Return to the Growing under Lights Forum
| Post a Follow-Up
electronic ballasts/bulb failure
| | |
Posted by ramsay22 (My Page) on Mon, Jun 8, 09 at 15:40
| I read an interesting article on another hydroponics message board claiming that electonic ballasts are not suited for use with the vast majority of HPS and metal halide bulbs on the market. This is contrary to what I have read and heard in magazines , hydro stores, eballast manufacturer's info,etc. The writer asserts that although the e-ballast may light the bulb, that bulb will fail prematurely and cause the release of hazardous gases or subtstances. The article states that most HID lamps are made to operate at 50 - 60 hz, whereas e- ballasts operate at 22,000 hz and higher.
Can someone confirm or refute this for me? I recently purchased an e-ballast with the understanding that it can effectively operate both HPS and metal halide lamps and am now concerned.
Thanks |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: electronic ballasts/bulb failure
| | |
| Not true at all. Bulbs start better, experience a soft start, so there is less blackening of the discharge tube, and usually last longer, with better maintained lumens. They do not have any gas or hazardous substance what so ever in them, and they are very unlikely to rupture. MH lamps should be turned off once a week, for safety, except for pulse start MH which can be kept running continuously 24/7. |
Post a Follow-Up
Please Note: Only registered members are able to post messages to this forum. If you are a member, please log in. If you aren't yet a member, join now!
Return to the Growing under Lights Forum
|
|
|
