Digital ballast power consumption ?

I was reading that the 600watt Lumatek Dimmable ballast only dims the bulb output and not the power consumption.
So if using a 600w bulb dimmed to 400w it's still drawing 600 watts of power? Are all dimmable ballasts this way?
What if you dim the ballast to 400 and use a 400 watt bulb? Does it still draw 600w.?

From what Ive read this is not the case with quantum ballast

I have not heard that, I have quantum and lumatek's (digital), There would be no point to dim it if it still took 100% power,,, on the quantum you literally reduce the power consumption in the ballast to 50%, 75% or 100%,,, so you use less power consumption... with the lumateks im not sure how it works because the knob changes to 400w 600w and 1000w oh and Super lumens. I assume the lumateks reduce power consumption, but it is not as clear as being labled like the quantums which literally say 50%, 75%, and 100% ...
Anyways I doubt thats the case, if there is less energy comming out of the bulb i assume its less energy comming from the outlet. And FYI the Super Lumen option on the lumatek ballasts are more for when your bulbs are getting old or starting to weaken, you can crank up the power to get all you can out of the bulb before retiring it.

420forme said:

I was reading that the 600watt Lumatek Dimmable ballast only dims the bulb output and not the power consumption.
So if using a 600w bulb dimmed to 400w it's still drawing 600 watts of power? Are all dimmable ballasts this way?
What if you dim the ballast to 400 and use a 400 watt bulb? Does it still draw 600w.?

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The draw(power consumption) is equal to the setting. Its very hard on your 600 bulb at 400. You are drastically reducing its life and output. Use the a bulb that matches the setting.......

This is what I read on the Lumatek - Note the last line of the description.
I did check and the quantum ballasts do state that they do reduce power, thank you halftime.
Lumatek 600 Watt and 1000 Watt Electronic Ballast

NEW SIZES!

• More lumens generated per watt of electricity consumed - Lumatek™ ballasts have increased efficiency over magnetic ballasts. They lose fewer watts from the power supply to the lamp. This is a power factor of 99%+. The high frequency output results in low power loss.
• Fast start-up – they reach full brightness quickly.
• Completely silent.
• Small compact design.
• Produce less heat.
• Cut-off circuitry – cuts off when a short is detected for ultimate safety.
• Fully interchangeable - Lumatek™ ballasts can light both HPS and MH bulbs (excluding the 750 watt which is HPS only).
• Compatible with Smart Volt™ power cords.
• NEW - A dimming knob has been added which will allow them to be set at 50/75/100% (only reduce the amount of light not the power usage).

Data sheet from model LK600....... I think you are looking at data on the first generation of Lumi dim ballasts. The new generation with 'soft start technology' is the way too go.

www.bulkhydro.com 172 bucks w/free shipping.

cowboylogic said:

View attachment 1422574View attachment 1422573 Data sheet from model LK600....... I think you are looking at data on the first generation of Lumi dim ballasts. The new generation with 'soft start technology' is the way too go.

www.bulkhydro.com 172 bucks w/free shipping.

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I'm always wary of companies making up names like 'soft start' or 'super lumens' when they never really explain how it works just what it does... things always seem kinda shady to me but I'm just skeptical of selective marketing like that.

ExDex1x1 said:

I'm always wary of companies making up names like 'soft start' or 'super lumens' when they never really explain how it works just what it does... things always seem kinda shady to me but I'm just skeptical of selective marketing like that.

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The entire data sheet was not posted, it answers all of your concerns. I have been using Lumateks for many years. They live up too the claims.