grow cycle | back to the ballast
It is good to remember , therefore , that if heat is an issue for you , then this style of ballast is not going to help matters . It also generates an electric hum , which at times can be quite loud , particularly at start up . Generally speaking , magnetic ballasts are normally at the lower end of the price bracket . Be warned , however , of the cheap non-branded versions . These have a reputation for running extra hot — that is , cook-an-egg-on-it hot . Not only that , but some will not even run at a true wattage . To top it off further , they can use a lot of electricity compared to the other ballast options . Cheap magnetic ballasts may cost less to purchase , but the money you think you are saving at the outset will be exponentially lost in the quality and longevity of your equipment and end results on your yield . It ’ s a complete false economy buying a cheap ballast , whatever wattage it is ( or claims to be ). Also , all magnetic ballasts degrade over time , but cheaper ballasts will degrade at a much faster rate due to the cheap raw materials used to produce them . Do not let this put you off all magnetic ballasts , though , as a good magnetic ballast from a trusted brand is a great , cost-effective way of powering your grow lamps . Also , some companies give a 25-year warranty on their ballasts . You don ’ t get that sort of warranty on anything ; it ’ s a testament to how reliable they are .
ELECTRONIC , OR DIGITAL , BALLASTS
Electronic ballasts , which are sometimes known as digital ballasts , can come with either fixed or adjustable wattage outputs . You can buy straight
250 , 400 , 600 , and 1,000W models , though the most common are ballasts with a 600 or 1,000W output and an adjustable wattage dial commonly known as a down turner . Adjustable ballasts are essentially three , or even four , ballasts in one . For example , a 600W version will normally have a 250 , 400 , and 600W setting , and some will have an additional 10 per cent boost option , making the maximum output 660W . ( Remember , though , that your lamp will not last as long if you use the boost option ; a candle that burns twice as bright only lasts half as long .) The price difference between the adjustable and straight versions is so small , though , that the fixed models are slowly being phased out . Within the electronic ballast family , there are also two fairly new arrivals : the 315 and 400W version . They work the same way as other electronic ballasts , but they are most effective when used with lamps specifically designed for these up-and-coming heavy hitters . Electronic ballasts work a little differently than magnetic ballasts . While they also have a small ballast or choke in them , they have a digital board to help control the flow of electricity . This hybridization allows them to use electricity more efficiently than standard magnetic ballasts , causing them to run cooler and more consistently at a true wattage . Lamps run on an electronic ballast will also run cooler .
These ballasts , which are generally the mid-priced option , are also constructed differently than magnetic ballasts . They use a heat-sink cooling method , in which heat is released through the ballast casing itself as opposed to vents . A non-conductive part of the main ballast or choke sits directly against the heat-sink case to cool the unit . The internal components are also completely sealed inside the heat-sink casing with a molten resin , which protects the metal case from any electrical shorts and to reduce the chance of electrocution . As a result , electronic ballasts run warm , but never red hot . The cheaper versions , however , tend to have an internal fan to keep the heat down as they are not as effective as the more expensive , welldesigned versions .
TRUE DIGITAL BALLASTS
True digital ballasts are few and far between . They are getting more popular , but they are not as favored as the other two variations thanks to their position at the high-end of the price bracket . It ’ s a shame , too , because they are a good ballast . They work digitally from a circuit board , which controls the electrical current to the desired wattage . They run completely silent ; cool , even cold , to the touch ; and always at the true wattage because they are digital . They also use less electricity at start up and while running . It ’ s a win-win-win for the true digitals , to be honest . Like I said before , though , they haven ’ t caught on as the high price tends to put people off .
So , there you have it : a rundown on the differences between the ballasts currently available on the market .
" TRUE DIGITAL BALLASTS ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN . THEY ARE GETTING MORE POPULAR , BUT THEY ARE NOT AS FAVORED AS THE OTHER TWO VARIATIONS THANKS TO THEIR POSITION AT THE HIGH-END OF THE PRICE BRACKET ."
78 Maximum Yield USA | February 2017