Metal halide Burn-In ? - Halide experts

[DarG]

I have a pair of 250 watt Reeflux 10000K HQI's that were initially being driven by ARO electronic Ballasts. Probably have about 200 hours on them. I just switched to a Blue Wave VII HQI ballast. I know that the HQI ballasts drive the bulbs with higher wattage. I am wondering, with this being the case, would the bulbs go through any kind of second Burn - In because of the increased power and heat from being driven by the HQI ballasts?

Thanks

[DarG]

^ bump ^

[PaulErik]

Generally if a metal halide lamp is new, the burning position is changed or switched to a different ballast (with a different operating electrical specification) the lamp will need approximately 100 hours to re stabilize.

It should take less time if you just switched ballasts but major lamp manufacturers recommend 100 hours with at least one on/off cycle every 3-12 hours.

[DarG]

Ok, so just to make sure I have this right. Switching from the e-ballast to a Magnetic HQI ballast after the bulbs initial burn-in will result in a second burn-in that probably will not be as long as the initial one. Right?

Thank You

[PaulErik]

Yes you will have a second burn in and it should not be as long as the initial burn in.

[DarG]

thank you kindly.

[bgiles11]

Originally posted by PaulErik
Yes you will have a second burn in and it should not be as long as the initial burn in.

Just curious what is meant by burn in? I am switching to MH lighting in a month or so and was just curious.

[DarG]

Metal halides generally take 100 hours of use until they stabilize with a consistent amount of light output and color. It's called Burn-in.