Do i need a Surge Protector on my Ballasts?

isotel

Active Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #1

Simple Question, I Searched with minimal Results..

So, Do i need a Surge Protector on my Ballasts?

Digital, or Magnetic, does it matter? Discuss!

 

legallyflying

Well-Known Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #2

No you don't. The electronic ones you don't anyways as they have circuitry that maintains the proper output voltage. Power fluxes a little bit all the time. I guess if your house got struck by lightening it would be nice to have (but probably would get fried anyway) but when the hell was the last time your house got hit by lightning?

 

devilpit

Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #3

Even though you don't with digital, you really should cuz a surge protecter is exactly that....it has nothing to do with lightning...if something goes wrong it just shuts it down and protects your gear. Better safe thanks sorry amd for a good one it onlu cost 30 bucks.

 

ExDex1x1

Active Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #4

I found one at Home Depot that was insured for up to $3000 worth of electronics attached to the surge supressor for up to 3 years from purchase and it only cost $45. Beats the shit out of extended warranties on your ballasts and its always better safe than sorry.

 

skolar182

Well-Known Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #5

Yeah why not add extra security even if you don't need it?

I always do. Even if your ballast is designed to shut off, wouldnt you rather have your surge protector take the hit rather than your equipment?

 

legallyflying

Well-Known Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #6

Ok, I'll reword my original reply. Need.. No bad idea? Also no.

I do however have my doubts about how well surge protectors work. Be carefull that you get one that is rated for the amount of amps you will be running through it.

 

skolar182

Well-Known Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #7

legallyflying said:

Ok, I'll reword my original reply. Need.. No bad idea? Also no.

I do however have my doubts about how well surge protectors work. Be carefull that you get one that is rated for the amount of amps you will be running through it.

Click to expand...

Just get a UPS and do it right

 

randomseed

Active Member

• Mar 2, 2011

• #8

skolar182 said:

Just get a UPS and do it right

Click to expand...

A UPS that can handle 1000w for more then like 3 mintues is going to cost you ALOT of money.
I tested the one hooked up to my AV gear and it lasted all of 10 seconds.

 

skolar182

Well-Known Member

• Mar 3, 2011

• #9

randomseed said:

A UPS that can handle 1000w for more then like 3 mintues is going to cost you ALOT of money.
I tested the one hooked up to my AV gear and it lasted all of 10 seconds.

Click to expand...

I was being sarcastic, but ok.

 

randomseed

Active Member

• Mar 3, 2011

• #10

skolar182 said:

I was being sarcastic, but ok.

Click to expand...

Sorry, I had actually taken the idea seriously back in the day.

 

W

Wetdog

Well-Known Member

• Mar 3, 2011

• #11

I would check into one of those things that will shut it down for x# of minutes to prevent a hot start.

Can't think of the name offhand, but we had it on the central ac for power outages/flickers that we got a lot of in SoFla. It let the pressure bleed off the compressor and not re start for 5 min or so. Had the same thing at work for all the HID lights.

Lots of lightning in SoFla.

Wet