How Close for a HPS

Dobby

Well-Known Member
I'm getting a 600w hps with an adjustawing reflector. How close can to the reflector get to a combustable before it becomes fire hazard. By combustable I mean like a wood 2 x 4 or a plastic wall section. I will have a fan on too of course.

Dobby
 

firsttimeARE

Well-Known Member
Are you air cooling the reflector?

For what its worth, i'm not going to say this will or won't cause a fire because thats too liable, but I will say that when my fan is going for the reflector I can put my hand on the glass, the metal frame, every square inch on the outside of the reflector and not get burned. I also have a 600w cooled by a 240CFM axial inline fan.

So if its not burning my flesh or my plants, i don't think it'll burn wood or plastic.

If you're concerned look up the burning point of wood and plastic. I'm sure you could do a quick google search. My guess is its not going to melt or burn anywhere under 120F and if your reflector is getting that hot you're in for a lot of other problems.
 

Dobby

Well-Known Member
Thanks, I was just looking for a rough idea, kind of looking for any problems I might have before they are problems. The frame in question is 5 ft x 3 ft and the light is something like 22 inches by 24 to 27 inches. I will have a fan on it but I've come up with a solution that will probably make it a non issue. I am going to face (or wrap) anything that might be a problem in a piece of welding blanket as I have a brand new one. At least that's the plan and we'll see what happens. I'll be spending a lot of time keeping an eye on things when I spark the thing up.
 

Dobby

Well-Known Member
Not to mention I'd rather be safe than sorry as they say. I also took your advice and checked the flash point of any of the materials nearby and I can't see the temps being anywhere near a problem!
 

firsttimeARE

Well-Known Member
Yeah you're going to be fine bro.

I put tupperware wrapped in a towel to keep my seeds dark and warm as they germ atop my reflector
 

firsttimeARE

Well-Known Member
That chart is for lumen output in relation to it's distance from the bulb. Hes concerned about material near the reflector catching fire.

Thanks for that though, I was trying to think of where to find that earlier today.
 

Dobby

Well-Known Member
Yup, I just re-evaluated should be no problem, I don't even need the welding blanket. Thanks to both for all the help (I like the chart btw).
 

Dobby

Well-Known Member
So now it's back to the original worry: Will the 60 day Wonder really be ready for the Super Bowl LOL. :mrgreen:
 

OGEvilgenius

Well-Known Member
There's a guy who posted a chart, I have a link on my other computer. Basically said 8" was ideal distance from a cooled 600w for maximum lumens w/o burning. Said he used the chart and it was a good guide, it seemed reasonable based on what I know about lumens and lighting (not as much as some here for sure!). But 8"-10" seems pretty reasonable to me. For ideal growth.
 
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