FeedYourHead
Active Member
do you have to have a ballast for a hps? like absolutely have to?? and what exactly does it do anyway?
Ballast
- Thread starter FeedYourHead
- Start date
kristus015
Active Member
You will need a ballast. A ballast boosts electric conditions to start the lamp and them maintains a constant current for continued operation.
FeedYourHead
Active Member
ok. but the bulbs screw in the light socket like any other bulb, wont the light socket just give it electricity?
Nastydroaste
Well-Known Member
might, might not, but i wouldnt run it, FIRE HAZARD
kristus015
Active Member
Here is how it goes...
The cord from the wall -> ballast -> cord from ballast to socket
There is no standard 3-prong connection on the cord coming from the socket. It will either have a specific plug for your ballast type that has the corresponding socket on said ballast, or it will have exposed wires for you to wire it manually to the ballast. Either way you cant just plug the lamp socket into the wall.
The cord from the wall -> ballast -> cord from ballast to socket
There is no standard 3-prong connection on the cord coming from the socket. It will either have a specific plug for your ballast type that has the corresponding socket on said ballast, or it will have exposed wires for you to wire it manually to the ballast. Either way you cant just plug the lamp socket into the wall.
FeedYourHead
Active Member
alright got it. thanks people.