1000w 240v US spec Ballast in Europe

[bluewater]

I just received here in Europe a new 1000w 240v Lumatek digital ballast that I ordered from America, but I'm not sure if it's going to work. I was hoping to just cut off the US 240v plug, and replace it with a European one from the hardware store here. My concern is this message that I see in the box at least 2 times:

"240V ballast wiring - VERY IMPORTANT! It has come to our attention that customers are using a NEUTRAL wire in their 240V electrical system. Lumatek™ ballasts will malfunction if the 240V circuit has a NEUTRAL. The input for the ballast is 2 HOT WIRES and 1 GROUND WIRE. Some electricians insist on wiring a neutral with their 240V installations. This should not be done when using electronic ballasts. If you are using a light controller ONLY bring a ground wire and two hot leads from your electrical panel. Please call Lumatek™ technical support at 1-888-369-8943 (M-Sa 10:00a-6:00p PST) with any questions regarding this. "

As far as I know our 240v (or actually 230v) here in Europe DOES use a neutral. http://www.kropla.com/!e.htm <- Is the plug used in this country - it says "Receptacles are installed with the earth pin upwards and wired with left as live and right as neutral." We have three wires inside of the cords here - which I have understood to be: brown(live), blue(neutral), and green/yellow(ground), http://www.allaboutcircuits.com/vol_5/chpt_2/2.html and this site agrees.

So I called Lumatek, mentioned all of this, and the guy said it would work fine here. The guy said the US and EU had the same spec model. But I am just skeptical because as far as I can tell, I will be doing something they are very obviously warning against. I really don't know hardly squat about electricity, but I do know US and EU 240v is slightly different(other than just hertz, which don't matter since this ballast is 50/60hz), and I'm just hoping somebody with some knowledge could comment on this.

thanks,
bluewater

 

[globel]

my lumetk has a replaceable power cord. Do you have a replaceable power cord? If so, ask for the EU one.

 

[globel]

Also did you type that warning verbatim? I know in America there is 2 hot 120v wires to the panel but not the actual power cord to the ballast from the receptical. Don't take my electricity advice.

 

[bluewater]

Yeah, it has a replaceable power cord, but it will probably be quicker, easier and cheaper just to swap the US plug with an EU one, they have good high quality/load ones at a hardware store just around the corner.

The warning IS 100% verbatim. From what I can (possibly try to) comprehend this ballast wants 2x120v inputs & a ground, NOT 1x230v and 1xneutral like we have here. I wouldn't normally think it made a difference, if it wasn't for this very obvious warning. This electricity stuff is really pretty complex, and the stakes high! I'm not in a huge rush to plug this in until I feel a little more comfortable, and won't have a bulb for it until tomorrow or Saturday anyway. I'll probably give Lumatek another call when they open today and try to get more specifics, and I'd definitely appreciate any opinions from people knowledgeable in this area in the meantime!

 

[bluewater]

So after I called Lumatek US again, they referred me to Lumatek UK who I called then sent an email description of the problem. They replied, again without any real explanation, but saying that it would work and I have nothing to worry about. So I went ahead and wired it all up, and it seems to be running just fine (wow, 1000w is a lot of light - I've only ever had a 400w!). I'm in a brick building, and I'll be around when it's running most of the time so I'm not too concerned about safety, just didn't wanna blow the thing up and be out $350 for being an idiot.

The moral of the story: If you're in Europe and want a digital ballast, you will most likely be able to order a 240v one from America which will work here, and be MUCH cheaper. (and don't forget to kindly suggest that your vendor mark the value as less than €150 to avoid that nasty VAT)

 

[globel]

this is good news for euro peoples.