How to wire from Lumatek ballast to MH socket?

Madison Reef

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Hi,

This is my first time setting up metal halides, and I am not sure how I should connect them.
The first pic is ballast with 3 output connections, and the second pic is from bulb socket that has two wires and one ring(?).
Obviously they cannot be fitted and I am wondering if I should buy a connection cord.
Where can I find one?
20221201_183438.jpg
20221201_183451.jpg
 

oreo54

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I suggest starting your learning curve here..

I believe the above "parts" though not totally necessary in a sense should put it all together for you.
Adapter for your ballast to go to "standard" pin layout and a cord to go from the socket to the new adapter.

NO Guarantees but looks correct.

The pic of the wiring to the socket is incomplete.
No idea where to get a male "hydrofarm" plug.
 
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clowndaddy420

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green wire with the ring is a ground wire for safety and normally carries no current cut ring connector and strip wire for wire nut connection. white and black go with the positive (black) and negative (white) connections from the ballast. you may need to use a multi meter to determine this. also it may be worth while cutting the molded plug from the end of the ballast output and connecting the wires with wire nuts just for ease of connection. (this will void your warranty) further..once exposing the inner insulation the colors of the wires may already be marked under outer insulation.
 

oreo54

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Ok, found it.
As long as the socket cord is long enough
Wiring is self explanatory.

Hmm a catch.
Note: Minimum order quantity of 4.
 
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Madison Reef

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Ok, found it.
As long as the socket cord is long enough
Wiring is self explanatory.

Hmm a catch.
This looks like something I was looking for. Thank you so much for your reply.
One more question. Can I use my computer power cord to connect MH Ballast to the wall? It fits, but I am not sure if I can use it.
 

oreo54

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This looks like something I was looking for. Thank you so much for your reply.
One more question. Can I use my computer power cord to connect MH Ballast to the wall? It fits, but I am not sure if I can use it.
Probably not.
I just checked one of mine that had a label and it stated 18ga.
TOO thin of wire.

Check the cord for any imprinted numbers.
Look for like 16ga or 14ga painted or stamped on the cord.
Or 16/3, 4/3 ect.

Seems 16 gauge "may" be fine at lengths of 8' BUT a bit of on the edge so to speak.


Smaller the number the thicker the wire btw.

I do STRONGLY suggest thicker wires.
Only a $12-ish purchase..and if you can get one from the same place as the male plug .. hey a bonus.


Note though the spec of the 14ga..

Max Amps: 15 , Max Watts: 1800.

400w ballast at 110v is only 3.64A
Check what the ballast input states. Should be on there.
Electrical wiring specs are rather conservative for the most part.
16ga is rated for 3.7A
14ga 5.9A

EVERY calculator will show you need 14ga wire..


Hopefully a more experienced MH person will finally respond..but if not.. stick w/ 14ga.
 
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Madison Reef

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Probably not.
I just checked one of mine that had a label and it stated 18ga.
TOO thin of wire.

Check the cord for any imprinted numbers.
Look for like 16ga or 14ga painted or stamped on the cord.
Or 16/3, 4/3 ect.

Seems 16 gauge "may" be fine at lengths of 8' BUT a bit of on the edge so to speak.


Smaller the number the thicker the wire btw.

I do STRONGLY suggest thicker wires.
Only a $12-ish purchase..and if you can get one from the same place as the male plug .. hey a bonus.


Note though the spec of the 14ga..



400w ballast at 110v is only 3.64A
Check what the ballast input states. Should be on there.
Electrical wiring specs are rather conservative for the most part.
16ga is rated for 3.7A
14ga 5.9A

EVERY calculator will show you need 14ga wire..


Hopefully a more experienced MH person will finally respond..but if not.. stick w/ 14ga.
You suggested that I go for 14 ga for power cord, which is rated 5.9A. What about connector? It says 25ft 16/3, which is rated for only 3.7A.
I believe its the same one you suggested except its longer.


If I understood your explanation correctly, it is rated for only 3.7A which means I am at the limit (and risky?) if I were to run 400 watt bulb? Do I have 14 ga option for connector as well?
I am planing to run 250 watt bulb but I want to upgrade if I need to.

Thank you so much for your help.
 

oreo54

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You suggested that I go for 14 ga for power cord, which is rated 5.9A. What about connector? It says 25ft 16/3, which is rated for only 3.7A.
I believe its the same one you suggested except its longer.


If I understood your explanation correctly, it is rated for only 3.7A which means I am at the limit (and risky?) if I were to run 400 watt bulb? Do I have 14 ga option for connector as well?
I am planing to run 250 watt bulb but I want to upgrade if I need to.

Thank you so much for your help.

Well first I have to defer to " the market" as to what is standard.
Second it seems the voltage out is much higher and therefore the current much lower.
My current assumptions:
Output is DC
Output is high frequency kHz range like 20 plus kHz.

Voltage could be 400v out meaning a 400w bulb draws only 1 amp. Voltage varies for starting and current regulation as well as bulb size
Universally seems voltage in is less than voltage out thus higher current in than out.

 
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Madison Reef

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Well first I have to defer to " the market" as to what is standard.
Second it seems the voltage out is much higher and therefore the current much lower.
My current assumptions:
Output is DC
Output is high frequency kHz range like 20 plus kHz.

Voltage could be 400v out meaning a 400w bulb draws only 1 amp. Voltage varies for starting and current regulation as well as bulb size
Universally seems voltage in is less than voltage out thus higher current in than out.

Thank you for all your help!
 
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