Metal Halide Ballast

Metal Halide Ballast (Transformer) Kit Quick Guide-

Metal Halide Wiring Diagram

Express Light Bulbs HID Ballast Kits are in full compliance with United States and International safety, operation and conformity standards; it includes UL, CSA and ANSI.

Commonly Asked Questions

What is included in my Metal Halide ballast kit?
All our Kits come with a ballast, igniter, capacitor and mounting hardware. Bulbs and Sockets are sold separately.

Is a Metal Halide ballast the same as a MH Transformer?
Yes- It is just another way of describing a MH Ballast.

Do I need the lamp wattage to match the ballast wattage?
Yes- The Metal Halide Ballast are designed for a specific wattage. There is a chance that using the improper lamp will cause a fire and also it can damage the bulb and the ballast. There are some ballast 175W and 250W that be used with matching Mercury Vapor Lamps.

Why do I need a ballast to operate my bulb?
Metal halide lamps require electrical ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the proper voltage to the arc. Probe start metal halide bulbs contain a special 'starting' electrode within the lamp to initiate the arc when the lamp is first lit (which generates a slight flicker when the lamp is first turned on). Pulse start metal halide lamps do not require a starting electrode, and instead use a special starting circuit referred to as an ignitor to generate a high-voltage pulse to the operating electrodes. American National Standards Institute (ANSI) lamp-ballast system standards establish parameters for all metal halide components (with the exception of some newer products). A few electronic ballasts are now available for metal halide lamps. The benefit of these ballasts is more precise management of the lamp's wattage, which provides more consistent color and longer lamp life. In some cases, electronic ballasts are reported to increase efficiency (i.e. reduce electrical usage). However with few exceptions, high-frequency operation does not increase lamp efficiency as in the case of high-output (HO) or very high-output (VHO) fluorescent bulbs. High frequency electronic operation does however allow for specially designed dimming metal halide ballast systems.

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Purchase Returns and Exchanges Important Return Policy News: Beginning March 2008, we initiated a change to our return policy. ExpressLightBulbs.com will accept merchandise returns for Standard Delivery items within 30 days of purchase and issue a credit or refund at the time of return only with a valid packing slip. We appreciate your understanding that ExpressLightBulbs.com merchandise may only be returned by mail or ground service (UPS or Fed Ex). Upon return, your merchandise will be inspected. Credits or refunds issued will be for the item value. Any taxes charged will be refunded in accordance with state laws. Shipping and handling charges are nonrefundable. To return an item by mail, follow the instructions on the packing slip enclosed in your order, insure the package, and mail it to the ExpressLightBulbs.com address on your packing slip. If you do not have a packing slip, please call us at 888.553.5655 and we will gladly assist you.