150w CMH for a HPS ballast

daisy2687

daisy2687

Well-Known Member
After researching the subject I think I've confused myself even more. I've found this bulb
http://www.lampspecs.co.uk/Light-Bulbs-Tubes/Tubular-Ceramic/Tubular-Ceramic-Metal-Halide-CMH150-TT-UVC-O-U-830-E40-21516-150W-GE;jsessionid=0a0106431f43e517e8b20ad84302abba982334560a67.e3eSc3eMbxuPe34Pa38Ta3aKa3n0

But I cant find an ANSI code to tell me what kind of ballast to use. Someone was telling me all CMH under 250w are MH ballast and above 250w are HPS ballast. I know this used to be true but I tihnk they made some new bulbs?

Also same/similar bulb here

http://greenshop.hu/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=garden_flypage.tpl&product_id=1578&category_id=261&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=38

states that it can be used in HPS ballast, yet I read straight from GE that their 'constantcolor' line ranges from 20-150w and says:
ConstantColor CMH lamps require the same type of ballasts
as are used for conventional quartz metal halide
lamps of the same nominal lamp power. These lamps are
compatible with IEC and ANSI type ballasts manufactured
for metal halide lamps.

Aaaand another bulb here, not GE or Phillips. Pretty obvious it states can use in HPS (ANSI s55)

http://wicexchange.com/pid-59-150w-ceramic-metal-halide-lamp-tubular.html

If anyone is knowledgable about this help would be greatly appreciated.
 
daisy2687

daisy2687

Well-Known Member
Anyone?? I'm thinking about buying the bulb in the last link. I just hope the retailer didnt typo...

Also my hydro shop said they're getting 150w HPS to MH conversion bulbs this month
 
T

T.H.Cammo

Well-Known Member
A 150 watt CMH bulb will work with two ANSI Code ballasts:
Best choice, "M-142" is dedicated to 150 watt Ceramic Metal Halide bulbs.
2nd choice, "M-102/E" is meant for "Pulse Start" 150 watt Metal Halides, should also operate 150 watt CMH bulbs.
 
T

T.H.Cammo

Well-Known Member
daisy2687 said:
What about this. New bulb from Venture Lighting (experts in pulse start metal halide ballasts). They're spec sheet claims it uses HPS ballast. Sorry if the first post was confusing/links didnt work right
http://www.venturelightingeurope.com/pdf/data/en/200/x/00026.pdf
Click to expand...
Yeah! Thier spec sheet clearly calls for a HPS ballast, presumably an "S-55" (ANSI Code).

I thought I had really done my research well, on CMH / ballast combinations, because they do seem to be "somewhat irregular" (to put it politely!). But now you have pulled the rug out, from beneath my feet (so to speak).

Up 'till now, I thought all 250 watt and 400 watt CMH's were considered "Retro-fit" (intended to be used in HPS ballasts) - while anything under 250 watts worked with a "dedicated" CMH ballast or, some, with a "Pulse Start" Metal Halide ballast. I guess I'll have to rethink the whole situation now! I'll have to keep my eyes open now and only buy CMH bulbs that state the correct ballast to use.
 
N

NoDrama

Well-Known Member
OK, first off a HPS only ballast won't run a Metal Halide bulb, you either need a conversion bulb or a dual type ballast that can do both types. You can also do the conversion yourself if your electrically inclined on the magnetic ballasts. Most of the digital ballasts do both types. IF your ballast is rated to run Metal Halide then you can run that bulb. A 400 watt rated ballast should be able to run a 150 watt bulb just fine too, so don't limit your purchase to such a small ballast if you can afford it.

FWIW The difference between a plant vegged on MH light and flowered on HPS light vs all HPS is less than 3%. Might be easier to just get a 400 watt HPS and be done with it.
 
daisy2687

daisy2687

Well-Known Member
We're talking about Ceramic Metal Halide. It's a little different since its pretty new technology. They've come out with versions ranging from 20-400 watts. Up until now anything 20-150w required a pulkse start MH ballast. The 250 and 400 were retrofitted to work in magnetic HPS ballasts.

I think I came across a new bulb or hope I did. I wanted to see other peoples' input. I think I'm going to try and give the company a call. Problem is I think you can only order in case of 12? I'll buy a case and sell the 11 left to the hydro shop.. They'll be like whooa man this is like alien technology.

NoDrama said:
OK, first off a HPS only ballast won't run a Metal Halide bulb, you either need a conversion bulb or a dual type ballast that can do both types. You can also do the conversion yourself if your electrically inclined on the magnetic ballasts. Most of the digital ballasts do both types. IF your ballast is rated to run Metal Halide then you can run that bulb. A 400 watt rated ballast should be able to run a 150 watt bulb just fine too, so don't limit your purchase to such a small ballast if you can afford it.

FWIW The difference between a plant vegged on MH light and flowered on HPS light vs all HPS is less than 3%. Might be easier to just get a 400 watt HPS and be done with it.
Click to expand...
 
daisy2687

daisy2687

Well-Known Member
Theres no reason this would change because they're in europe? I dont see any reason but the american side of the company doesnt have the product. Gotta call over to europe when they're open
 
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