normal output bulb on VHO ballast?

[dz6t]

Is it possible that a normal output (40w) 48 inch bulb works on a VHO ballast? I know very little about VHO stuff.

Thanks

 

[Chris A.]

I know you can do this with Ice Cap ballasts.Not sure about other ballasts

 

[nitrofish]

I think I heard it will overdive them for more output but will shorten thier life span.

 

[dz6t]

do you get the same amount of light with an over-driven NO bulb vs a VHO bulb?

 

[nitrofish]

I don't think so, but I can't confirm this

 

[Matt L.]

Is that really safe? Why not just use a VHO bulb or a NO ballast. Neither are terribly expensive and probably less than your the cost of fire damage.

Matt

 

[Scuba_Dave]

There are a number of people on RC who have been overdriving NO bulbs for some time with success. I'm not sure about using a VHO ballast
Try looking in lighting forum on RC

 

[RichConley]

Matt, its not all that bad. I run some overdriven NO fluoros, I run a 24" tube at almost 100w, and havent had any problem, other than burning through bulbs. There isnt really any difference in the technology.

Whats the wattage on a 48" VHO?

 

[NateHanson]

You can do it, and I think the main problem is shortened life (i think output is similar to purpose-made VHO bulbs). But one word of caution is that the NO bulb ends are not made for the higher current of VHO systems. The VHO bulbs I've seen have much more substantial bulb-ends than NO bulbs. The current is almost tripled, so just beware that it could be a potential problem spot.

I know NO endcaps (the fixtures, not the bulb) have started fires when run with VHO ballasts, so it might make sense to be concerned with the same problem arising with the bulb-ends.

Nate

 

[redpaulhus]

I know that at least one author has been talking about this in the pages of FAMA for about 10 years - he was running standard 6500k full spectrum bulbs (GE or phillips daylight delux) on an icecap balast. Big advantage was the low cost for the bulbs - about $5 each.

 

[Chris A.]

I know that at least one author has been talking about this in the pages of FAMA for about 10 years - he was running standard 6500k full spectrum bulbs (GE or phillips daylight delux) on an icecap balast. Big advantage was the low cost for the bulbs - about $5 each.

I read the same thing.

You don't really have to worry about the ends of the bulbs as long as the are T-12 bulbs,becouse that's the same size bulb as the VHOs.

A 48" NO bulb is 40w but get overdriven to around double their normal output.I'll try to find the link to the test.

 

[Chris A.]

Here's the link http://www.icecapinc.com/rev1.htm

 

[dz6t]

The reason I asked is that I bought a hood that came with a VHO ballast but one of the bulb is a normal output one. I am going to change the bulb anyway but want to know if there is any effect on the ballast when a NO bulb is used with it.

 

[Scuba_Dave]

No effect on the ballast - it's the bulb that you need to worry about
A ballast - wired correctly - will put out what it is rated for
Whether or not a specific bulb will take that output is the issue