Ballasts

HID lamps are available in different wattages, and it is essential that you match the size of your lamp with the correctly rated ballast. The basic function of a ballast is to regulate the power that your lamp can draw, and there are two methods of achieving this goal.

The first is the traditional magnetic ballast. These type of units have been around for decades and include a large copper coil that magnetises as power is drawn through it by the lamp. This magnetism restricts the amount of power than can reach the lamp and thus regulates the wattage supplied to the lamp relative to the size of the copper coil. Basically, bigger copper coil for a higher wattage lamp.

These ballasts work great and are a poular choice for most growers - however, there is a more advanced technology that achieves better results from your lamps and consumes less power - Digital Ballasts. These modern units use a circuit board to regulate power to the lamp and far less power is wasted in the form of noise and heat. Advanced digital units also have features such as dimming or the ability to overrun your lamps for higher light output.