DIY Lighting for Canopy

[fishnut]

Originally posted by canadawest:
Componets needed:

2 MH ballasts (or one dual ballast)
2 MH lamps
2 Mogule Sockets
Wire for ballast to sockets (unless enough supplied with ballast)
1 VHO Electronic ballast (Icecap or Workhorse)
2 VHO lamps
4 VHO endcaps
4 Endcap stands
Wire for ballast to endcaps (unless enough supplied with ballast)
2 3-prong timers (for setting on/off times for each ballast)
12 small screws (two for each socket/endcap)
1 Screwdriver
1 Wire Stripper/cutter
1 Package of heat shrink tubing (to finish and seal wire splices)

As for plans, it is pretty straightforward. All you need to do is determine where inside your canopy you would like (or can fit) the lamps. Then screw in the sockets for the MH lamps and the endcaps for the VHO lamps. Then find a spot to place or mount your ballasts. Then run the necessary wires from the ballasts to the sockets and endcaps. The mogule sockets are easy, they only require a two wire connection from each ballast. The VHO ballast is a little more complicated as it has multiple wires for each individual endcap, but there is usually a wiring diagram and instructions that come with the ballast.

I built my own canopy and originally installed 4x48" VHO lamps on an Icecap660 ballast. Lighting install took about 1 hour from start to finish.

And I just recently added a single 250W MH lamp, and that was even easier, took 30 mins total (15 mins of that was moving a couple existing VHO lamps to make room for the MH lamp.

Good luck with your new lighting project!

<font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">To Canada West:

Thanks from fishnut.