Hid Ballast

[wolverine22391]

Just curious about HPS ballast Vs MH. Can you run High Pressure Sodium on a Metal Halide ballast by just adding a igniter? I have gotten a few metal halide pot lights for 10 dollars per unit and was wanting to run HPS in them due to being a lot brighter. Thanks for the help.

 

[ForceFed70]

Many modern electronic ballasts can run both. But only if designed to do so. Typically you cannot retrofit.

Also - are you sure this is a change you want to make? HPS is indeed brighter and more efficient when it comes to lumens but the quality of light is horrible. It's very yellow in color. Generally HPS is only used for things where "Poor quality light is OK" like street lamps, parking lot lights, parking structures, etc. Rarely are the used indoors. If you're lighting a shop I recommend you stick with Metal Halide. If it's for outdoor/security lighting then nevermind...

 

[cybrdyke]

Whats the wattage?
If it's 175 or higher, the MH ballast strikes the lamps by spiking them every 1/2 cycle. You cant make this stop. You'd be spiking the HPS lamp unnecessarily, shortening it's life. The OCV of the MH is nearly double that of the HPS. The capacitor is completely different.
If it's 150 or lower, it should already have an ignitor, but it will be the wrong one. The OCV is still about double on the MH, and the cap is still completely different.
For all these reasons....no, you shouldn't do it.
Will the light come on if you do? Maybe. But it wont be any where near right.
Good luck
CD

 

[Norcal]

Why would you want amber colored light? The white light given by MH is so much better, plus the expense of a ballast swap, and newer HID recessed require thermal protection so if they do not have it they are scrap. Look into LED.

 

[canbug]

A bit pricy but take a look at corn cob LEDs. Bypass the ballast and screw in your new LED light.

Tim.

 

[Longhair]

Why would you want amber colored light?

The Bud?

 

[Mustang51js]

Led is the way to go.

 

[wolverine22391]

Thank you everyone for the input, I think I had gotten wrapped up more on the Luman side of it than the color. I was figuring that all I would have to do is add an igniter.

 

[wolverine22391]

they do have the thermal sensors with them.

 

[wolverine22391]

The Bud?

Ha They would be good for that.