250w ballast question

Could a 250w hqi ballast be used with a 175w bulb?

 

I would not try to overdrive a metal halide bulb like some people do with VHO's. You're asking for disaster. Why not just get a 250 watt bulb?

 

Long answer is NO!

 

bulb/ballast wattage needs to stay the same. hqi/de ballasts have more output than mogul/se ballasts. the de ballast will drive a se bulb harder and is able to get more out of the se bulb, but a se ballast has issues with a de bulb. par ratings between bulbs varies also when using the same ballast.

 

A HIQ and Mogul transformer are the exact same . Only difference is the start/run capacitor .. I can take the 30.00 Iron core transformers I use for my 400 w and start any bulb you give me .. Open any ballast box and expose the transformer inside and there will be a Magnatek or Advance transformer . some with multi primary voltages of 120v 208v 220v 240v transformers to single voltage of one or the other . from a Hamilton to a coralife to any of them , Its just the S/R Capacitor that makes the difference . If you try to fire a 175 in a 250 w with a 250 w transformer all you will get is a very very bright 175 for a few seconds then a pop. Like putting a 120 V motor on 240v fast as as fast then smoke or a 12 v light bulb on 24 v bright then pop.

But as for the original question again No.

 

ok thanks for the answer