A Widow Maker
Member
Can I use a 400W bulb with a 600W ballast? When we have a 400W or a 600W etc etc ballast, does this mean that we can use UP TO the wattage of the ballast or do we HAVE to use THE wattage of the ballast?
Lighting Question
- Thread starter A Widow Maker
- Start date
NoBarriers
Well-Known Member
Some people say you can use a bulb of lesser wattage than the ballast. I only use the bulb that the ballast is designed for...
A Widow Maker
Member
Yeah, I thought that would be the case to but I was told today that it is safe to use a lesser wattage bulb. I have 600W ballast u c but only a spare 400W bulb. This would then be 2 x 400W in my room. I am 2 weeks in to flower.
brokeandwise
New Member
You should be able to go lower bulb size then the ballast (I suppose) but not certain because I've never done it.
LifeGiver
Member
No. You cannot use differently rated bulbs with different ballasts. If you use a bulb not rated for the ballast, it may light up, but the bulb will burn out very prematurely. More likely it will just not start. Make sure to match up the type of bulb as well, Metal Halide vs. High Pressure Sodium, because that matters too.
brokeandwise
New Member
Have you tried before?
LifeGiver
Member
I have put a 430 watt bulb on a 400 W ballast and the bulb burned out in under 2 months. You can try using a different bulb if you want to, but it will surely decrease the life of the bulb.