VHO Lights

[Trek Rider]

I was in Lowe's today buying the last supplies for my canopy (in progress now), when I saw a ballast for ~$19. It would run 2x96W T12. Am I correct in assuming that this ballast will power 2x75W 24" or 2x95W 36" VHOs? It seems like a dumb question to me but I'm not sure whether the ballast has to say "VHO" or whether the "2x96W" automatically puts it in "VHO" category. I assume the standard Lowe's/Home Depot end caps will not be useful in the canopy due to moisture. Any hints to an inexpensive source for end caps/wiring? Thanks.

[texasreefer]

The ballast should work w/ no problems. For your end caps you will probably need to go w/ a 3 piece german waterproof endcap. You can buy them from several sources online or at most lfs.

[Trek Rider]

Thanks.

[kgross]

Actually I don't think the ballast will give you VHO lighting out of any bulbs. I am assuming this ballast is for 96 inch T12 bulbs which operate at aprox 430 ma, not he 1500 ma that VHO lights operate at. If you. Rather than just looking at the wattage you also have to look at the current ouput. The different intensities of flourecent lighting all operate at different current levels, without enough current you will not get that amount of light output.

This does not mean that that ballast will not light the 24" bulbs just that you will not get the full light output from the bulbs.

Kim

[Trek Rider]

Good info. Thanks. I'm going back today to get some stuff...I'll check the "details".

[Richard Tester]

I have tried that also -- I couldn't even get the bulbs to fire.

[Trek Rider]

OK...I checked out the ballast again. They have one that is 2x96W, 120V, 60Hz, 0.6amps. However, the one that is $19 is labelled high output, 2x96W, 120V, 60Hz, 1.39amps. It seems as though this one might actually work based upon comments above. Feedback?? Thanks

[Trek Rider]

texasreefer, Kim, Richard....does the new information change your answers? Thanks.

[Richard Tester]

well I just wired up one of these and did not fire up the 3' VHO bulbs I had -- I could have done it wrong, I don't know. I just ordered a WH7 from World Lighting in TX. and I works like a charm.

HTH