MH Ballast help - Page 2

parkinsn · #1 01-29-2009, 01:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GreenSpottedPuffer

Ok but it doesn't work the other way around right?

Like I cannot use HQI bulbs with my current ballast?

I dont think so because the start up voltage for the HQI is higher, but i have never tryed going that way. It might work but you may not get the lamp to full bright.

fkshiu · #2 01-29-2009, 06:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by parkinsn

the only diffrence between HQI and SE is the lamp initial operating voltage, right now i am running my SE's with an HQI PFO ballast. Note that you will shorten the lamp life doing this, by how much im not sure but i wouldnt think it to be substantial though.

It all depends on the bulb itself. I am using Radium 20K SEs which are spec'd for HQI ballasts. They will not have shortened lamp life by running them on an HQI ballast.