Ballast for sodium vapor and metal halide lamps

For the operation of sodium vapor lamps (HPS) and/or metal halide lights, a ballast is mandatory. Only with a ballast can the current for the illuminant be converted usable. In general, a distinction is made between conventional ballasts and electronic ballasts. Ballasts have very long daily operating times, which is why greater attention should be paid to operational safety and the purchase of inferior products should be avoided. In addition, of course, economy and convenience in operation and wiring also play a role in the purchase decision.

Conventional ballasts

Non-electronic, or conventional, ballasts score points above all for their comparatively low purchase costs. Disadvantages are the high power consumption and the loss of efficiency due to increased heat generation in day-to-day operation.

Electronic ballasts

The newer electronic ballasts are comparatively more expensive to buy, but they quickly make up for this with their much higher efficiency and operational reliability. Their power consumption is significantly lower and heat generation is also significantly reduced. Microprocessors control the start-up phase and the power consumption of the lamps, and consequently ensure gentler operation and correspondingly longer service lives for the lamps. Modern electronic ballasts can also be regulated and operated at several levels. While conventional ballasts must be precisely matched to the wattage of the respective light source, electronic ballasts can also be operated with sodium lamps and metal halide lamps in various wattages. Electronic ballasts also generate permanently more lumens per watt than comparable conventional ballasts.
For example, one of the most powerful, economical, and safe devices on the market is the Lumatek ESVG, available at Growmart, with a total of four adjustable stages.