Assemblying Ballast Systems

[ifsixwasnin9]

I'm new at this. I've been perusing Metal Halide lights online and I can find ballasts and lamps but I don't see sockets. Are there any resources on how to assemble a Ballast system? (1) The Ballast is safe sitting on the floor? (How hot can a Ballast get?) (2) How much do sockets run for say 400-600W lamps? (3) Ballasts can be plugged right into a 110V wall outlet safely? (4) It's safe to leave higher power Ballasts running in an empty home?
Wikipedia doesn't get into any this only characteristics, construction, etc.
Specifically, I was looking at equipment at xxx.plantlightinghydroponics.com. This is a lot more fun and complicated than I thought it would be. It's like Christmas.

 

[Growdude]

I'm new at this. I've been perusing Metal Halide lights online and I can find ballasts and lamps but I don't see sockets. Are there any resources on how to assemble a Ballast system? (1) The Ballast is safe sitting on the floor? (How hot can a Ballast get?) (2) How much do sockets run for say 400-600W lamps? (3) Ballasts can be plugged right into a 110V wall outlet safely? (4) It's safe to leave higher power Ballasts running in an empty home?
Wikipedia doesn't get into any this only characteristics, construction, etc.
Specifically, I was looking at equipment at www.plantlightinghydroponics.com. This is a lot more fun and complicated than I thought it would be. It's like Christmas.

Are you talking about ballast kits? There are alot of ballasts on that site you linked.

 

[dr pyro]

yes an enclosed ballast can sit on floor. if you buy a raw ballast which is transformer,cap,ingnitor they can be enclose in a galvanized or aluminum casing is not needed. l would mount these on a joist with some space between the ballast and joists. mine rest on joists but i feel more comfortable telling you leave some space for air to circulate. raw ballasts the trans former will get hot you can put your hand on it but just for a sec or 2. in the enclosed ballast the outside does not get hot. most aluminum and have cooloing fins.you can just buy plain sockets for under 12 dollars and wire yourself.the socketts you see in hydro shops have cords on them for 30 bucks. yes they can be plugged into your sockets at home on 110 but make sure the ballast is rated for 110 not 240. it really all depends on the wattage you buy 1000 watt draws 9.5 amps 400 draw 4.5 amps. your 20 amp breaker will only allow you to draw 16 amps safely then it trips. my suggestion if running hid is to dedicate 1 or 2 breaker to your setupp but it all depends how big.also with that in mind the bigger you go 240 volt may be they way to go but all depends on your lighting needs. alot more info is needed here.yes you can leave them running provided that all your wiring and timers are right. do not exceed the amp ratings on timers they'll cook them right up. always use gfci near your room or where moisture is or will be present.the 2 biggets threats i think with hid are touching the bulb the oil from skin can cause the bulb to break not all the time but there are cases. always inspect bulbs for cracks or even scratches from time to time. the sencond thing is timers and exceeding the amperage on them. also people doing there own electrical work and not being informed of correct wire /breaker combo. if you have any electrical questions hit me up via pm

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

You need a mogul socket for a 400 or 600W bubl. These are readily available on line. Why don't you tell us about your planned grow?