How do I connect my ballast to bulb?

Secretan

Active Member
Hey, Really newbie question but....

Just bought a 250 w ballast (powerplant) and bulb from my local store. I didnt get a reflector because my grow space isn't big enough for one.

I was wonderful what cable I need to attach the ballast to the bulb. (The ballast has a wire out its back, with a plug like that on a computer).

Thanks for any help :leaf:
 

Secretan

Active Member
Im confused, shouldnt there be a light socket to screw the bulb into coming from the ballast??
There doesnt seem to be one, Just one wire that goes to the power socket, and another that comes out of it, that looks like the end of a power plug in a computer.

(I believe this part plugs in the the reflector? If I had bought one)

What I need is just a wire to plug the bulb into.
 

onenumcat

Well-Known Member
I asked the same question, but I uploaded pics on my very first post, like you should have done....
go look at my thread...https://www.rollitup.org/newbie-central/131815-connecting-ballast.html

btw, bulbs don't 'plug into wires', they will screw into a mogul base, usually type E39.
the ballast will wire up to the E39 mogul, by 2 or 3 wires, a 'hot', a neutral, and often, a ground.
then, 2 or 3 wires will connect to a normal 2/3 prong plug which would go to the wall socket.

help ME, help YOU! post some pics...at least 3-4 different views.
 

JangleGrow

Active Member
You need a mogul socket with a chord to connect to your ballast. Then you'll need to figure out how to mount the socket in your box/room. The people at the store should've told you this when you purchased it. It seems odd to me that they let you walk out with a bulb and a ballast without a socket but maybe they assumed you were buying replacements for an existing system. Good luck.
 

onenumcat

Well-Known Member
You need a mogul socket with a chord to connect to your ballast. Then you'll need to figure out how to mount the socket in your box/room. The people at the store should've told you this when you purchased it. It seems odd to me that they let you walk out with a bulb and a ballast without a socket but maybe they assumed you were buying replacements for an existing system. Good luck.
yeah, exactly...just like I said...I mean, just like he said.

here's some pics of a home made hood I made, but don't use anymore. replaced it with a real one.

sheet metal, wood, ceramic E39 mogul, electrical wire, a plug

don't use a cheap, plastic mogul...it'll melt!! and use some sort of insulation between metal/wood, and power cord.
 

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onenumcat

Well-Known Member
secretan, if you still need help, please post some photos of what you have.
I don't understand what you're talking about. 1 photo=1000 words. LOL
 

Secretan

Active Member
:P Think I was alittle gone when I posted this. Words-forming-into-sentences ain't my bigger I guess.

thanks very much for your help, but I found the part I needed, (To connect a 'powerplant ballast' to the bulb)............


Thanks for your help :) :leaf:
 

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onenumcat

Well-Known Member
yeah, your sales person must have been a right git to let you leave the store and not even ask you if you need the 'all system cord set'. it's usually included w/ the ballast...since you can't run a bulb, with that ballast, without the special cord...it's a locking, water tight connection, I've heard.

good luck
 
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