High Pressure Sodium Ballast
HPS Ballast
If you have a home security lighting system, or an indoor garden,
chances are that you use High Pressure Sodium Lamps (HPS Lamps)
somewhere in or around your home. HPS lighting fixtures are generally
found in outdoor flood lamps, in street lights, or in hydroponic and
aeroponic indoor gardens. These lamps are an excellent light source for a
long lasting bright light. Unfortunately, they won't run forever. Like
any type of electrical equipment, high pressure sodium lamps will need
occasional maintenance. The most common part of an HPS lighting fixture
that needs to be replaced will be the ballast.
It's easy to tell when your high pressure sodium light ballast begins
to fail. The whole purpose of it is to provide the HPS bulb with a
steady current, so if your light begins flickering, even with a new
bulb, then it is definitely a good idea to take a closer look. If you
think your sodium ballast is dying on you, then you'll
probably need to get a replacement in the form of a high pressure sodium
ballast kit. These kits are readily available, and very easy to
install.
Before you buy a replacement sodium light ballast, you will need to
know the wattage rating of the lamp you are repairing. HPS fixtures come
in a range of styles and wattage ratings or ANSI code, but this number
should be marked on the lamp. If it's not, you can always look on the
chart below for your lamp model. Most houses run on 120 volts, so that
is usually the standard rating. Once you know the wattage on your lamp,
then you can buy a ballast kit that will match it.
Buying a kit and constructing your own fixture can be a much cheaper
alternative than purchasing a fully constructed model. To put an HPS
luminaire together, you won't need many parts. You'll only need your
replacement HPS light ballast, a transformer, a capacitor, an igniter,
and a socket. If you are handy and good with electricity and intend to
use your HPS lamp as a grow light for an indoor garden, then
constructing your own unit is also a great alternative to shopping in a
more expensive completed units. A high pressure sodium kit should
include the information you need for wiring it. Just be sure that after
installation you don't leave any exposed wires and the unit is properly
grounded. Always consult with a qualified electrician and remember
safety is the most important thing.
After you install the kit, you should always test it. If you've done
it correctly, the bulb should glow almost immediately. If you've made a
mistake, it's probably that nothing will happen. However, if your bulb
does not turn on, be sure to wait at least five minutes before you try
again. The capacitor holds electricity, and if you discharge it
incorrectly, then you risk injuring yourself through electrical shock.
High pressure lamp ballasts for any HID fixture are easy to find, and
they're the most important part of your light. A well maintained bulb
will last nearly 20,000 hours, and they're the most energy efficient
solution for outdoor flood lamps, and indoor gardening lamps.
