Another ballast question

[chrisqueenz]

I have been using my 250W halides to power 12K DE bulbs, I am changing my set-up a bit and was wondering if I could change over to SE bulbs without changing the ballast?

Thanks!

[ganjero]

what ballast do you have?

[chrisqueenz]

Don't know, they are encased in a silver metallic box and rarely get hot. I purchased them used from a friend but can't get in contact with him to find out?

[ganjero]

Well to get a correct answer you need to know what ballast you are using. If is an electronic ballast you can use SE. If is magnetic HQI, you can use SE HQI bulbs like the Radiums.

Maybe post a picture of the ballast.

[chrisqueenz]

I will post a pic up in a bit.

How can you tell if it's electronic or magnetic?

[PaulErik]

A single magnetic HQI 250-watt ballast will be over 15 pounds. A single electronic 250-watt ballast will be under 10 pounds. Usually the ballast will have a label with at least a model number on it. Does the ballast have any writing on it?

[chrisqueenz]

No writing on it. The thing weighs way less than 10lbs. Hardly ever gets hot. If it is electronic would it fire the SE bulbs?

[PaulErik]

Electronic ballasts will light both SE and DE lamps. If it weighs way less than 10 pounds then it is an electronic ballast. Even a standard 250-watt magnetic enclosed ballast will be at least 10 pounds.

[kgross]

YES your ballast will drive SE bulbs, the problem is when you go the other direction.

Kim

[chrisqueenz]

Heres a picture of both ballast


http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/chrisqueenz/000_0046.jpg http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y140/chrisqueenz/000_0045.jpg

[kgross]

Those are electronic ballasts.

Kim