What happens when you run 250W MH bulb on 400W ballast?

[Kennyboy1984]

What happens when you run 250W MH on 400W ballast?

I ordered a new bulb from some crappy online store on eBay. They not only forgot to ship my bulb for like two weeks but they also sent me the wrong wattage bulb! I was so happy just to finally get the bulb that I installed it right away without even checking what wattage it was. I was already running the 250w bulb for about two weeks before I even noticed the wattage listed on the box. Anyways the bulb seems to be running ok...but I really don't know.

Thanks in advance!

[jrmx635]

I'm pretty sure you are at high risk of blowing up the bulb.
I heard of people doing that before.

[46bfinGA]

It will burn but you will be decreasing the life of the bulb.

[Charlie Davidson]

I ran a 20k 175w coral life on a 250w ballast for @ 2weeks (just playing around)
It burnt about 12k and was alot briter! I liked the output.
But was unsure of all dangers!
IMHO, its alot hotter , and decreases bulb life also

[SCR]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11557306#post11557306 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by 46bfinGA
It will burn but you will be decreasing the life of the bulb. This is a question for " 46bfinGA", would running two 250W bulbs on a 400W ballast work for any lengh of time?

[tkeracer619]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=11557367#post11557367 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by SCR
This is a question for " 46bfinGA", would running two 250W bulbs on a 400W ballast work for any lengh of time?

2 250w bulbs need 2 250w ballasts.

There is no mix and matching.