Ballast Question

[el boyo]

i have a question about magnetic ballasts.. Is there any difference in the lumen output from the different magnetic ballasts out there, or is it all dependent on the type of bulb used? i am asking because i am going to be starting a larger setup and wanted to go with the cheapest ballast that will not sacrifice lumens.. also is building a ballast from parts from the electric supply house going to be cheaper than buying them from hydro companies?

 

[Tank333]

Not sure about your first question, but I'm pretty sure the answer to the second question is no. I don't know where you're located, but in Seattle I'm able to find at least two different warehouse suppliers who sell 1kw magnetic ballasts for $100-125 each... I can't find the ballast kits from electrical supply companies for that cheap...

 

[Papa]

all the magnetic ballasts you'll find are designed and built to meet the same ANSI specifications, so different magnetic ballasts will all operate the lamp at the same lumen output,

 

[el boyo]

word.. thanks guys.. glad to hear that