wishihadatank
Member
If I want to upgrade from 175 watts to 250 watt metal halides. Do I have to buy a new ballast or can I just buy that size bulb? I bought a diy mh kit from a guy and it came with 175 watt. But I need more
Upgrade 175w to 250w
- Thread starter wishihadatank
- Start date
fishfreak1242
Active Member
Yes you will need to upgrade to a 250w ballast.
scsinet
Active Member
Originally Posted by fishfreak1242
http:///forum/post/2636834
Yes you will need to upgrade to a 250w ballast.
The good news is that a magnetic ballast is inexpensive... ~$45.
http:///forum/post/2636834
Yes you will need to upgrade to a 250w ballast.
The good news is that a magnetic ballast is inexpensive... ~$45.
wishihadatank
Member
Where do I get a magnetic ballast?
scsinet
Active Member
The nice thing about halide ballasts is that they adhere to an ANSI standard, so it's easy for a layperson to know exactly whether they have the right ballast or not.
The ANSI code for a 250w normal magnetic ballast is M58. Google "M58 Ballast" and you will find all kinds of places. Any ballast labeled as M58 that is of the correct voltage will work for you.
Regarding voltage.. halide ballasts usually come in several voltages... 120, 208, 230, 277, and 480. You need one that is EITHER a 120v ballast, or what's called a multi-tap (one that has wires for each of those voltages). If you get a multitap, you just cover the ends of each wire labeled 208, 230, 277, or 480 with tape and use the 120v wire.
When you go shopping, keep in mind that prices vary wildly. As a rule, if you pay more than $50, you are paying too much.
The ANSI code for a 250w normal magnetic ballast is M58. Google "M58 Ballast" and you will find all kinds of places. Any ballast labeled as M58 that is of the correct voltage will work for you.
Regarding voltage.. halide ballasts usually come in several voltages... 120, 208, 230, 277, and 480. You need one that is EITHER a 120v ballast, or what's called a multi-tap (one that has wires for each of those voltages). If you get a multitap, you just cover the ends of each wire labeled 208, 230, 277, or 480 with tape and use the 120v wire.
When you go shopping, keep in mind that prices vary wildly. As a rule, if you pay more than $50, you are paying too much.
scsinet
Active Member
Oh... one more thing... if you are using a commercially made fixture, if it has a fan or is otherwise enclosed, just be thinking about the significant additional heat that 250w lamps produce. You may need to think about whether that affects the fixtures cooling, since it wasn't designed for 75 additional watts.
Generally, it won't be a problem though.
Generally, it won't be a problem though.
A
augustwest
Guest
What are the details on your 175 and will you be selling it? I'm really considering adding a second 175 to my canopy.