Are digital ballasts better?
Digital ballasts have higher output and will give almost 30% more light. They are cooler and provide better spectral output. They have adjustable wattage, which allows you to use power your grow lamp at different wattages.
What’s the best digital ballast?
Best Digital Ballast Reviews
- iPower GLBLST1000D Digital Ballast.
- Tophort 1000 Watt Digital Electronic Ballast.
- Vivosun 1000 Watt Digital Ballast.
- iPower GLBLST600D Digital Ballast.
- Hydrofarm Quantum QT600 Digital Ballast.
- Phantom PHB2010 II 1000 Watt Digital Ballast.
- Vivosun Horticulture 600 Watt Digital Ballast.
What is a digital ballast for?
Like all ballasts, a digital ballast regulates the voltage a high-intensity discharge (HID) light or compact fluorescent light receives so that the bulb doesn’t overheat and immediately explode. Digital ballasts use the latest technology in microprocessors to regulate and monitor the voltage a bulb receives.
How long do digital ballasts last?
For optimum efficiency, you should replace your magnetic ballast every 2-3 years. Digital ballasts last much longer, and have a consistent output over their life. They only need replacing if they stop working, which can be 10+ years.
Do digital ballasts get hot?
An electronic ballast might get warm, but it does not get hot enough that you can leave your hand on it even after prolonged use.
Can you fix a broken ballast?
If you can change out a light switch or outlet you can definitely replace an old ballast that doesn’t work. As I said in the beginning, you’ll save yourself $75 to $90 doing this fix yourself.
Does ballast have fuses?
The tube gets its electrical current from the ballast, which on some fixtures is controlled by a fuse or a “starter.” If your fluorescent tubes are flickering or will not come on, you may need to replace the fuse.
Do digital ballast use less electricity?
Energy Saving Digital ballasts are waaaaay more efficient. It’ll vary, depending on which units you compare, but typically digital ballasts use 3 – 4% less energy. This doesn’t sound like much but, when you’ve got multiple grow lights on the go, the combined saving really cuts down your energy bills.
Why do ballasts go bad?
Every ballast has an ambient operating temperature range and UL location rating. When it’s too hot or too cold, the ballast can burn or fail to start your lamps at all. Heat combined with prolonged condensation inside an electronic ballast can cause corrosion and ballast failure.
How long does a ballast last?
According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.