HPS light

Could you buy a HPS bulb from Home Depot and put it in a simple socket without any trouble? I know that most people use a ballast and it controls the flow of electricity, but I was wondering if you could get away with this cheaper set up with a smaller bulb, like a 250W?

No. Peace Jack

The reason I ask is because I have seen a few DYI set ups that do not include a ballast. What is the worst that could happen? I am around 24/7 to make sure nothing goes south and the house doesn't get burned down. Can you tell me why this would not work? If you can put a 250W CFL in a normal socket, why would you not be able to put a smaller HPS bulb in it?

no but you could get ona there 150 hps security lights for 70 bux 100w for 55 or the 70 w for 45bux just put a cord on it or take it apart and remote ballast it if yer even somewhat electrically proficient

If I were gonna spend 70 dollars I would just buy a light that already has a ballast. You can get a 150-250 for around 80-100 bucks. I am trying to be as cheap as possible right now, which is why I wanted some insight on not having a ballast at all on a smaller HPS bulb. Thanks for the reply though!

Thread size is different for 1...

no way without the ballast even the 35w hps needs one the cfl you mentioned needs a ballast also either built in bulb or in a fixture

Ahhh, threads will be different. Didn't think of that. One guy in the DIY section had made a fixture with a simple ceramic socket, a HPS bulb, glass hurricane and coat hanger. Wonder how he did it? Wish I could find the thread again.

The ballast steps up the voltage to the proper operating level. It would be like trying to directly plug in a fluorescent bulb.

Here's a DIY with no ballast..

https://www.rollitup.org/do-yourself/332920-stans-dads-diy-yet-another.html

its ran remote there is a ballast just wired the socket of off it ive got several cabinets like that,if yer gonna run in a cabinet the secuity lights a better cause you can separate the ballast and run it externally,but without ignitor hps will not fire.i'm sorry but there is no cheaper way or we'd all be doin it and for the small bulbs you can get in med base(house light) or mogul base (big one) but still gotta have ballast

I've seen some crazy good deals on craigslist.

Cool. Thanks for all the info! Can't blame me for trying!