Raw Ballasts

[Guest]

I have noticed while surfing grow supply sites. That alot of them offer raw ballasts and mounting equipment at almost one third the cost of branded versions. My question:

Is it worth the cost savings in the long run?

Mo,

 

[MTF-Sandman]

If you're capable of wiring and mounting them then yeah, it's worth it...especially if you're running multiple ballasts. The main benefit of the prefab ballasts is only aesthetic since the guts are identical.

 

[Guest]

Thnax Sandman ... after reading I saw that they also have the same 5 year warranty.They come pre-wired ... all you have to do is add the cord to feed the light socket. Looks like a great deal to me.

Thanx again for responding.

Mo,

 

[Guest]

The cord you'll want to use for power and lamp cords is called SO or SJ cord,your power consumption will determine your AWG or diameter size of the wire in the cord used for power,for the lampcord I'd use #14 AXG you'll be fine with that.

 

[BurnOne]

Mr. Mo-
I'm an Electrical Engineer. I bought raw ballasts when I got started.

Do this...
Figure the price for all the other stuff you'll need. And, don't leave ANYTHING out. Figure cable, strain reliefs, plugs, hoods and tools. Also figure in your time, gas money and warranty benefits if something goes wrong. You must also know what the hell you're doing.

I'm in the electrical business. If I had it to do all over again, I'd buy a complete light setup. www.plantlightinghydroponics.com

2 cents.
Burn1

 

[Guest]

I agree,I'm an electrician and my first setup was 400W in a 12 by 12 by 6 inch sheet metal enclosure,its a pain to do getting everything unless you're real familiar with electrical,my setup now is all store bought lol

 

[Guest]

I already have the hoods and everything already working in my current setup. So the only reason I would even think of it is if I wanted to just replace the ballast. I'm no electrician, but I have run my share of circuits. A jagoff of all trades you might say. You both are right, if I were looking to start a new grow from scratch and had never done it before I would go with prepackaged/preconfigured hardware. But to someone who knows how to do it I think it is a huge savings don't you two.

Mo,

 

[Guest]

I mean they don't even have to be enclosed do they? Seems they would actually stay cooler if they weren't. As long as it was in a place where no one would get into it.

Mo,

 

[Guest]

Its a big savings yes,especially if you get your "ballast kit" and everything from an electrical supply.Act like an electrician doing side work and you'll get a better price than Joe Homemaker down the street

 

[Guest]

This is how people burn houses down. Unless you are a trained electrician I would say avoid any risks like that.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the concern but it will be right I guarantee that ... if I do it. I am not gonna risk loosing like that.

Mo,

 

[Guest]

Here is what I am talking about I am not talking about going out and buying all the parts individually and building my own. I wouldn't do that.

http://www.bghydro.com/BGH/itemdesc.asp?ic=HLBARHPS10&eq=&Tp=

 

[Guest]

Use what they call a "sheet metal enclosure" 12 by 12 by 6 for 400W,and make sure and bond all grounds from lampcord and powercord under a groundscrew threaded into the box.They come with a groundscrew and threaded hole already.Get one with pre made "knockouts" so you wont have to drill holes for your power and lampcords.Use SO cord but use regular romex connectors to go into the box,much cheaper and easier to use and just fine

 

[BurnOne]

I mean they don't even have to be enclosed do they? Seems they would actually stay cooler if they weren't. As long as it was in a place where no one would get into it.

Mo,

Thanks for the concern but it will be right I guarantee that ... if I do it. I am not gonna risk loosing like that.

Mo,

 

[BurnOne]

Better get a smoke detector, fire extinguisher and have the fire department on speed dial.
Burn1

 

[Guest]

OK OK I get the point guys. I am not gonna do it myself. You act like I am 19 years old and am gonna put everything I have at risk just to wire a new light. Which I am very capable of doing but if it makes you feel better I won't tell you when I do it.

Thanks for the thought tho. I'll leave it at that.

 

[Delta9-THC]

ha ha ha hah a good luck I have a raw ballast myself!

Peace

 

[guest3854]

I use raw ballast setups as well as tha store bought's . No problems .

 

[Guest]

Someone I know bought a 400w hps venture ballast kit (ballast,ignitor,and capacitor) for $60 total after shipping. It'll work exactly the same as a 400w sunmaster ballast, but for at least a good $100 less.

 

[Guest]

just make sure you keep the kit dry and you'll be fine. oh and don't let any wires ground out on you're homemade enclosure. and if the capacitor has terminals on top don't ground those out(big flash) remember a cap will hold a charge after it's unhooked