600w bulb in a 1000w dimmable ballast...

[Murphio]

Curious question... I have a 1000w dimmable ballast with a 600w setting, can I use a 600w bulb on such ballast? Reason I ask is because I have a 600w MH bulb that would work nicely at the end of veg rather than a dimmed 1000w HPS.

 

[PJ Diaz]

I'm assuming it has a setting for 600. You're actually better off running a 600 vs 1k when dimmed to that mode.

 

[B.B.V.C.]

I bought a lumatek dimmable ballast that can run 600w 400w and 300w bulbs. I started with the 600 but was having heat problems so i bought a 400w bulb and set the ballast at 400w. No problems so far

 

[Murphio]

Nice, cause I just got a lumatek 1000w dimmable and dont want to waste a good 600w bulb.

 

[Murphio]

I have heard that dimming a bulb shortens its life... not sure if this is true or not, haven't done such experiment

 

[PJ Diaz]

I have heard that dimming a bulb shortens its life... not sure if this is true or not, haven't done such experiment

Depends on the type of lamp and the way it is dimmed. In the case of standard incandescent, dimming them increases their life. In the case of HID the lamp life is shortened. The other thing to consider when dimming lamps is, how is the light spectrum affected by the change in power?

 

[B.B.V.C.]

the new lumateks claim to be a true dimmable, meaning that when you set it to 600w or 400w mode it actually becomes a 600 or 400w ballast and even uses that amount of electricity.

 

[Murphio]

Depends on the type of lamp and the way it is dimmed. In the case of standard incandescent, dimming them increases their life. In the case of HID the lamp life is shortened. The other thing to consider when dimming lamps is, how is the light spectrum affected by the change in power?

I would benefit by getting longer life from my bulb (the 1000w HPS that I won't be dimming) and the 600w MH bulb would maintain its original spectrum vs. a dimmed 1000w bulb... I like the sound of that. I was just hesitant to put a 600w bulb in a 1000w dimmable.

 

[Murphio]

the new lumateks claim to be a true dimmable, meaning that when you set it to 600w or 400w mode it actually becomes a 600 or 400w ballast and even uses that amount of electricity.

Well since you had no fireworks then I guess ill give it a shot. Thanks

 

[Jay7t5]

So dud everything not catch on fire after testing guy's?

 

[Jay7t5]

Just realized I am 6 year's too late lol

 

[Jonreitz]

Lamps draw what they draw. Ballast don't push a certain amount of power, the lamp draws what it needs. This is why you can put any wattage lamp, as long as the ballast is rated at or above that wattage.

 

[PJ Diaz]

Lamps draw what they draw. Ballast don't push a certain amount of power, the lamp draws what it needs. This is why you can put any wattage lamp, as long as the ballast is rated at or above that wattage.

False.

 

[Jonreitz]

 

[PJ Diaz]

View attachment 5114758

Right. "Line voltage", not ballast output at the lamp.

 

[PJ Diaz]

Put a 400watt lamp in a 600watt ballast, and check your draw at the wall. It will be over 600watts, which are all pushed through the 400w lamp, resulting in overheating, shorter life, and a modified spectrum.