HQI / MH Wattage Question

[dskirtech]

Can you use different wattage HQI bulbs in your fixture without changing out the ballast? In other words, could someone go UP in wattage (i.e. from 150 - 200) without changing the ballasts?

 

[XxKnuckleheadxX]

no, you can prolly cause a fire! or blow up a bulb..

 

[dskirtech]

cool... now while i DO enjoy the occasional pyrotechniques show, I dotn feel like trying to put out a house fire in August.

Thanks!

 

[XxKnuckleheadxX]

or it just wont fire the bulb.

 

[dcantucson]

or both! :lol:

 

[bjohanson1234]

I personllay dont think it would fire the bulb. But if it did, the ballast would be working WAY to hard and either stop working or melt and cause a fire.

Brian

 

[ccCapt]

Bulb/ballast wattages must match. A higher wattage ballast would probably blow out a lower wattage bulb and a lower wattage ballast won't light a higher wattage bulb.