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  • Power Supply for 400w MH Bulb

    Created by Allen Stewart on May 24, 2016 at 5:15 am

    I bought your Xtrasun vertical fixture and a 400 watt metal halide bulb, only to discover that the ‘all system cord’ included with the Xtrasun does not plug into a standard electrical outlet. The setup obviously requires some sort of special power supply or ballast or something. At this point, what is the cheapest devise you have that will allow me to complete our installation by plugging into a standard 120vac outlet?

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  • May 24, 2016 at 5:41 am #198671

    Eric Vinje
    Keymaster

    Hi Allen –

    Metal Halide (MH) and High Pressure Sodium (HPS) lights require a remote ballast to work. When building your own plant grow light, it’s important to match the ballast with the wattage of the bulb you will be using. You must also match the type of light (MH or HPS) you’re looking for with the ballast. For example, a 400 watt MH bulb will only work with a 400 watt MH ballast (or 400 watt digital ballast).

    The cheapest 400w ballast we offer is the Quantum Digital Ballast. However you will also need an BASSP adaptor to match the ballast and lamp cord sockets. I’ve provided links below.

    https://www.planetnatural.com/product/quantum-ballast/
    https://www.planetnatural.com/product/plug-adapters/

    Hope this helps!

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