Are MH and HPS ballasts the same?

[yamaha_1fan]

Besides the ignitor, are the two the same? I have heard different things. I need to use long range ignitors so I was thinking of just buying MH ballasts, then the correct ignitors

 

[Balance]

MH and HPS ballasts will have different voltages on the secondary. They are not interchangeable. If you look on the diagrams that come with the ballast, the voltage is expressed as VOC or OCV. Open Circuit Voltage. To test this voltage, put your meter leads in the socket, or the wire-nuts conneting to the socket.
Have Fun.

 

[thecarguy]

Yamaha-

If you are purchasing a few (15-20ish), perhaps you could ask for a ballasts without ignitors at a discount? Since you're buying ballasts raw, I assume you could buy the tranny and the cap piecemeal.

 

[yamaha_1fan]

thats possible. My previous research shows hydro shops actually having the best prices on ballast kits, versus an electrical supplier. Even my BIL who is an electrician cant get better pricing through the trade. But I think the hydrostores just get them in a package and may not be able to break them up.

I am also wondering if the long range ignitors are compatible with ALL HPS ballasts

 

[thecarguy]

Yamaha-

DirtyFreddy from the 1900 sf warehouse thread seemed to have some experience with long range ignitors. Maybe ask him.

http://www.icmag.com/ic/showpost.php?p=2124309&postcount=25