Ballasts - the basics
What is a ballast?
A ballast is a device used to regulate the power fed to an HID bulb, so that it has the consistent current necessary for stable operation.
There are two types of ballasts we stock: digital ballasts and magnetic ballasts.
.jpg?width=80&height=80)
Magnetic Ballast
• Minimum 1 year guarantee
• Ideal for budget growers, yet still high in quality
Digital Ballast
• More expensive for the ballast but more cost effective in the long term
• Constant flow of light
• Quieter running operation (almost silent)
• Cooler running
• Faster start-up times, with less stress to the bulb
• Minimum 1 year warranty
How does a digital ballast work?
Whilst traditional HID ballasts use a magnetic induction coil, digital ballasts utilise solid-state technology to provide the correct starting and operating conditions for the lamp with more precision and greater efficiency.
Electricity that we receive through our mains runs with an alternating current (AC); switching between positive and negative charge (on and off) 50 times every second. This is why we describe the electricity supply as having a frequency of 50Hz. This means that with a magnetic ballast the bulb in your HID system is turning on and off 50 times a second. Although this is difficult to see with the naked eye, flickering can be observed if you take a photograph or hold up your camera-phone in your grow room.
Digital ballasts run at a much higher frequency, up to 20,000Hz and even higher, eliminating the stroboscopic effect (flickering), giving you a constant source of light. The higher running frequency also ensures that less power is lost and reduces light depreciation, resulting in a longer life for your bulbs.
.
How can I spot if there is something wrong with my ballast?
Some signs you should look for to see if there is a fault with your ballast:
• Exceptionally loud buzzing coming out of your ballast – this could indicate a problem within the
casing
• Exceptionally hot – if extremely hot switch off immediately!
• Bulb not lighting up – this could be a fault with the ballast or your lamp
• Should you think there is a fault with your ballast, switch it off and contact us for advice. You
might have to bring it back to the store for inspection.
What is a contactor and why would I need one?
You need to use a contactor (or power controller) if you want to set your lights coming on and off using a timer. The contactor protects against any power surges – without a contactor the power from your ballast is so great that it will easily melt the copper wire inside your timer, which will cause it to stop working, or just stay constantly on. Either way, your light schedule is at risk of being altered, which could result in possible long term damage for your plants. There is a full range of power controllers for different amounts of lights that you can look at in the lighting section on our website or in our catalogue.
Example ballast products...
Megalight Ballast:
Fully vented metal magnetic ballast. Ideal for hobby or commercial growers,
good quality at a great price.
(PICTURED: MEGALIGHT BALLAST 600W, GDJ3281, £56.20)
Hacienda Digital Ballast:
Great quality digital ballast at a great price. Shielded against and designed for
low radio frequency output. Virtually silent operation. 2 year warranty, and when
used with the Sunpulse range of lamps, the lamps themselves also have a 2 year
warranty!
(PICTURED: HACIENDA BALLAST 400W, MDV2784, £86.85)
Lumatek Electronic Ballast:
Digital ballast that produces up to 14% more lumens per watt than a standard
magnetic ballast. Comes with a built in Super Lumens Switch which can increase
lumen output by 10% on HPS bubs only (do not use the switch with mixed sodium
or metal halide bulbs.)
(PICTURED: LUMATEK BALLAST 600W, LSG9169, £178.75)
Quantum Digital Dimmable Ballast:
Increased power saving with this electronic ballast. Complete with dimming switch
so you can choose the power at which the ballast runs. Good for introducing your
young plants to HID lighting, and you can increase the power to your ballast as your
plants grow and demand more light. 3 year warranty.
(PICTURED: QUANTUM DIGITAL DIMMABLE BALLAST, QUA1010, £160.00)
Flame Defender:
Ready to install self contained fire extinguisher to eliminate any fires caused in
the grow room due to malfunction of electrical equipment. Will automatically set
off the extinguishing agent when at temperatures above 68°C. Attaches to the wall
or ceiling. A must for any sensible grower!
(PICTURED: FLAME DEFENDER 6KG, FLA1266, £89.85)
SAFETY
Whilst using a ballast always take into consideration your own safety, as there is a lot of electricity running through this small box which will and can shock you if you’re not careful.
• If you want to use a timer to control your light cycle, use a contactor!
• Always remember to screw your bulb into the reflector, plug the reflector into the ballast and ONLY
then you switch the ballast on, under no circumstances should you turn your ballast on then fix in your
unit!
• As ballasts do generate heat it is important to keep your ballast off carpeted areas if possible, placing
your ballast on a house brick is ideal. This will decrease the chance of any fires caused.
Click here to view this as a PDF