Power Consumption: PC Vs. VHO

[waterbury guy]

Does anyone know which would cause a higher spike in my electric bill? I am looking at either a 4 x 55w PC, or a 2 x 110w VHO. Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[frankl15207]

I am by no means an electrical anything, but the type of ballast that is used supposedly impacts power consumption. For example, Icecap ballasts claim to be 30% more efficient than other ballasts (I think this is electrical vs. magnetic). They can be used for either type of bulb.

 

[nacl-h2o]

Watts are the measure of the power consumption 220w is 220w they will use the same amout of energy the PC's will put out more light than the VHO at 220w. but the usage is the same.

 

[nacl-h2o]

Huuummm, I forgot about the ballast. How much energy the ballast waste will be more a function which ballast you pick, rather than wether you pick PC or VHO.

 

[bang guy]

Originally posted by NaCl-H2O
Watts are the measure of the power consumption 220w is 220w they will use the same amout of energy the PC's will put out more light than the VHO at 220w. but the usage is the same.
Unfortunately, this isn't the case. It would make things easier. For flourescent it's just a guide and has more to do with light output than energy consumption. If you use a high quality electronic ballast for each there is only a slight difference in favor of PC. NO run off of an electronic ballast is actually more efficient that either VHO or PC.
ie. An IceCap uses about 285 watts to light 4 110 watt VHO bulbs.
Guy

 

[shadow678]

When figuring electrical consumption, you must figure in many factors. 4 110-watt bulbs will drain 440 watts, period. How these watts are achived is a completely different story. Some ballasts, such as Icecaps, are more efficient due to the type of ballast. There are generally two types of florescent ballasts. Electronic, and magnetic. Electronic ballasts are more efficient and run at a cooler temperature than magnetic. You must also consider the power supply driving the ballast, whether it is standard 110-volt, or 220-volt industrial. Most importantly is how many AMPERES your system setup is consuming. Consider this: a 100,000volt tazer gun is enough to immobilize a man, but not do serious injury. A 110-volt standard electrical outlet is enough to stop a man's heart and burn any flesh at entry/exit points. The difference between the two is amperage. 100,000 volts at 1 ampere is not very powerful, but 110volts at 30 amperes is enough to kill. This is also true of your lighting system. 440watts at 7 amperes(Icecap 660 running at a max) will consume less energy than 440watts at 10 amperes(Radionic Industries standard florescent ballast). Hope this clears up a few questions.