hot ballast?????

[dman1234]

hello,

i have a 600w and 400w both ballasts are the switchable type and are in those sealed metalic looking cases, question,
can i just leave them outside the rooms or do i have to cool em also,, they get pretty warm but is this expected or do i need yet another fan...

 

[ozzydiodude]

If you can mount them outside your growing area do it, that way the heat is outside your growing area, just be safe about it. Set it where you can't knock it over or spill water on it. As with most electronic the less heat build up around them the longer they last.

 

[dman1234]

thanks.

but can i just safely mount them or do they have to be cooled.

i'd rather just mount them if i can

 

[Time4Plan-B]

Hi dman outside your grow room will lower temps for sure and irrespective of ballast type i have always since i started growing had a desktop/clip on fan aimed directly at the ballast.

Just my personal headspace safety thing.

You can mount them there is no need to cool that's just my own safety thing.

Time4Plan-B

 

[dman1234]

thanks. clip on fan seems resonible.

 

[PencilHead]

I'd be cautious putting them in the attic if you're in a southern /hot climate. They would take the extra heat, but like the Ozz says, it'll wear them out fast. They're designed to function in unconditioned air, but being kind to your equipment is just smart.

Luck and peace. And congrats on becoming a home moaner--that'll cost you dearly. But it beats hell outta paying someone else's mortgage, doesn't it?