Will my dual voltage 120/240v ballast operate on 208v?
A:
Yes, all of our magnetic ballasts have a 208v lead coming out of the transformer located inside the ballast housing. You may have them specially ordered to operate 208v instead of 240v, or if you already have a Hydrofarm ballast, consult a certified electrician to rewire this for you. It is a very simple process.
Q:
I have a 1000W ballast, can I use a 400W or 600W bulb in it?
A:
No, ballasts can only be used with bulbs that are of the same wattage rating. A 1000W ballast can only be used with a 1000W bulb, a 400W with a 400W, etc. *This does not apply to the dimmable Lumateks, which can use a 600W bulb if dimming switch is set to 600W, etc.*
Q:
Can an HPS ballast be used to power a metal halide bulb?
A:
This is never recommended, the ballast and bulb type (wattage and operation) must match. Convertible ballasts, however, can be switched between MH and HPS modes. There is also the option of using a conversion bulb, this is a special type of bulb which allows an HPS ballast to operate a MH bulb or visa versa. *This does not apply to the Phantom digital models*