Possible to run 2 bulbs off 1 ballast?

[grant123]

Well, my question is just, is it possible to run two bulbs off one ballast? I heard this somewhere, and it had to do with 12/12 only and using a relay i believe..... has anyone else heard something this crazy? if possible i really want to do it.
Not about to try it till i know it works.... im not gonna get my hopes up but fingers are crossed! Who knows?
Grant

 

[trich-zilla]

flip flop box..

search

learn

build

grow

post

In that order

 

[grant123]

i did search, alot. i just didnt know that name, flip flop box! thanks!

 

[yamaha_1fan]

just to be clear, you can not run 2 bulbs at the same time. You can use one ballast to power one bulb, then flip it to power a different bulb.

Look in the DIY links, I believe KungPows thread is listed

 

[Funkyskunk]

i dont know?!

i dont know?!

i have seen 1500w hps ballast's, and i have seen 750w hps bulbs, but not 750w hps ballast's?

i often wondered how the stadiums light all those MH bulbs? one for each bulb, or maybe one giant ballast for a few bulbs?

i sure would like to see one of them utility rooms!


fs

 

[grant123]

thanks for info guys, unable to run two bulbs at once, that answers my question! thanks!

 

[yamaha_1fan]

Funky, its been discussed before, you cant add up bulbs to equal the ballast. I cant find the thread but someone asked about running 4 250's off a 1000. Some very good answers were given.

Usually in stadiums, parking lots, stores, the ballasts are in the light fixture or next to it I believe.

 

[trich-zilla]

Funky, its been discussed before, you cant add up bulbs to equal the ballast.

This is only partially true. For our application with HID, this is true and correct, however, with some t8 ballasts and others, they have the ability to run 16 feet of fluorescent bulbs, whether it's 2 8' bulbs, 4 4' bulbs or 8 2' bulbs. If the resistance for the ballast is within spec, typically it works.

Assuming that he's talking about HID Ballasts, and Magnetic ones at that, I would agree that it's likely not possible. However, it could be possible with the newer electronic ballasts. If the resistance is within operating specs, how would the ballast know any different? (rhetorical question)

 

[Funkyskunk]

only way to find out is to do it, and possibly burn down your house!

not weth the risk, IMO.


fs


still curious tho. fwtw

 

[Marick23]

Whats this?

Whats this?

Hydrofarm sells exclusively to retailers. To purchase, please find a retailer near you.
Lumatek Dual E-ballast, 600 Watts 240 Volts
SKU: LK6240D
Weight: 14.0 lbs.
Suggested Retail: $465.95

Sorry I am a complete noob. But I am about to start my first grow and have been doing a ton of research. I came across this balast. Sorry I don't know how to link. When listing the wattages it says dual 600. Is that 2 lamps?


The market's most popular and best E-ballast has been improved. The Lumatek E-ballast is a performance leader. Powers both metal halide and high-pressure sodium lamps Available in 250, 400, 600, Dual 600, 750, and 1000W as well as generator friendly 400 & 600W.

Up to 20% MORE LUMENS; faster growth, bigger harvests
Unique graduated fin design for more efficient cooling
Completely pre-wired with popular BAREF lamp cord
*3 years full + 2 years warranty
Internal Resin coating protects components for long life
External breaker system protects against power surges
Completely silent
Ballast Size: 3-1/8"H x 4+1/4"W x 20"L

 

[Marick23]

I also found this. By Dual ballast do they mean it can run either HPS or MH or is it 2 lights one ballast?

There are several look-a-likes to the Lumatek in the market. Please do not assume that these have the same quantity and perform as well as the Lumatek Digital E-ballast. They typically use inferior components and technology and are not true E- ballasts.

***NEW***NEW***NEW***NEW***NEW***
The 600W Dual Ballast is the brightest 600W ballast on the market. Incorporating two ballasts into one enclosure. Lumatek ballasts produce more lumens while using less energy and are capable of powering both HPS and MH lamps. The efficiency, versatility, and reliability of Lumatek ballasts has made them the ideal solution for today's indoor gardening enthusiasts.


Two 600W outputs in one enclosure

New Fuse Protection - External fuse system protects against surges.

Up to 20% more lumens than comparable magnetic ballasts.

Internally RF shielded - the best on the market.

Completely silent - leave the humming and buzzing behind.

Best warranty in the industry - 3 years full + 2 years prorated.

Resin sealed for water resistance and maintenance free operation.

Snap-in rubber feet included.

 

[00420]

12/12 only and u should power down the ballast befor the flip....
the 600 x 2 ballast use's a 1k ballast and blow's after some use ..... i have seen some ppl have good luck with them but others that where pissed and got there $$ back....

 

[trich-zilla]

My dual 600 is two ballasts, in one enclosure. There's a switch on the outside that shuts one 600 off if you only want to run one.. but that's a magnetic ballast..

The lumateks, or electronic ballasts can fire either HPS or MH based on the fact it's electronic and doesn't need an igniter. Interesting though they didn't use the word OR tho... I can't imagine they'd combine them, I bet they hardly sell them as they are. Who knows tho..