I think I'm over-running my lamps?

[leafminer]

My pair of HPS are Day-Brights, industrial types, with big high-bay bell type reflectors. Massive ballasts with multiple voltage taps. The taps are 120V, 208, 240 and 270.
Of course I have to use the 120 tap. But it occurred to me this evening while thinking about another thread here, that my local phase voltage is not 120V but 127V. So I think I am running my lamps 7V over which (tap tap tap ... calc calc) well, it's only 6% more than rating. I guess that should be OK? They do run pretty hot but they seem to be able to take it. Although, it will reduce the tube life, I suspect. I guess they're putting out 16K lumens instead of 15K. I suppose the phase voltage in the US is 120V, then?

 

[UKgirl420]

not sure ,,,but how can they give out more lumens ? by using a extra 7 volts

 

[tesla]

I don't think your over running your bulbs at all In the US, lighting and low-power appliances run at 120 volts plus or minus 10%. Your still within the specs. If you think you will have a problem I would suggest using a step down volltage converter/transformer be used to make the current in the 110-115 range.

 

[Growdude]

My pair of HPS are Day-Brights, industrial types, with big high-bay bell type reflectors. Massive ballasts with multiple voltage taps. The taps are 120V, 208, 240 and 270.
Of course I have to use the 120 tap. But it occurred to me this evening while thinking about another thread here, that my local phase voltage is not 120V but 127V. So I think I am running my lamps 7V over which (tap tap tap ... calc calc) well, it's only 6% more than rating. I guess that should be OK? They do run pretty hot but they seem to be able to take it. Although, it will reduce the tube life, I suspect. I guess they're putting out 16K lumens instead of 15K. I suppose the phase voltage in the US is 120V, then?

Your voltage can change all the time a few volts.
A higher voltage will increase your output slightly, dont worry about it.
I use the same type ballasts and they do get quite warm if not hot.

It will shorten bulb life a little.

 

[leafminer]

Thanks Growdude. The ballasts get uncomfortably hot, I can just about handle them. Maybe I should paint them black to improve heat dissipation.

 

[Growdude]

Thanks Growdude. The ballasts get uncomfortably hot, I can just about handle them. Maybe I should paint them black to improve heat dissipation.

If the ballast is old it might be on its way out.

 

[tesla]

Leafminer My ballast gets hot also but then again the are supposed too. What I did I put a fresh air intake blowing right on my ballast. Don't know if it does any good but I think it helps.

 

[leafminer]

Thanks Tesla. They both seem to run about the same temp, I'm guessing that if there was anything seriously wrong probably one would be a lot hotter. I'm still trying figure out what to do with the reflectors. On the one hand these bells concentrate all the light where it's wanted. On the other, directly below the centre, the intensity is so high - it's like someone is shining a car headlamp down the middle - I am getting leaf burn if the bulb is closer than about 30". So the LST'd plants are getting a bit hollowed in the centre ... maybe I should take a metal jigsaw to the bells and lop off the bottom three inches or so?
I'm already at maximum height for the lamps and am having to resort to pinching to stop the plants getting too close.
Anyone else here using high or low bay reflectors? (You know the kind of thing, the ones they use to light big stores like Home Depot except they've got MH in them instead of HPS)

 

[tesla]

Those low bay reflectors are not the most efficient at distributing the light.
My buddy has space issues he takes his reflectors off for the last month of the flower stage. It helps him. I would suggest but I am sure you already know you need to get a different type reflector. Any ways good luck man

 

[Growdude]

I seperated the ballast from the socket and mounted it in a store bought reflector. This will help with your height issue and with heat.

 

[PUFF MONKEY]

Thanks Growdude. The ballasts get uncomfortably hot, I can just about handle them. Maybe I should paint them black to improve heat dissipation.

never heard that one....

 

[leafminer]

Thanks guys. I think I'll do what Growdude has done, remote mount the ballasts and get new reflectors. Or maybe I'll have to check out the cooltube designs, if I'm gonna separate the ballasts from the tubes I may as well, I am not bad with my hands. Think I've got a couple of spare PC fans lying around, I can use an old PC PSU to supply the fans. Wow this gets complicated... it will have to wait a little while 'cos I still have work to do on the grow room, finishing off the front of it, waterproofing the roof, installing an intake fan, and mylar.