MAGNETIC OR ELECTRIC MH BALLAST?

[EB847]

PRO'S/CON'S? WHICH IS BETTER AND WHY?

 

[hdtran]

I'm a fan of electronic ballasts for two reasons:
(1) Smaller and lighter weight
(2) No flicker, no hum, because they run at moderately high frequencies (typ. 25-40 kHz).

The downside (correct me if I'm wrong) is that an electronic ballast is usually more $ than a magnetic one.

 

[EB847]

I have a magnetic one on the way. What do you mean by flicker? Is it when you turn on i assume? Do bulbs work with either type as long as they are same wattage or are they specific?

 

[jandree22]

I have a magnetic one on the way.

well then it's a lil late to ask, ain't it? :lol:

 

[EB847]

Don't care. Just want to know. Got too good of a deal to complain. Thanks in advance for any helpful responses.

 

[Joe M]

I had a CSL electronic ballast compact flourescent light and it drove my radio shack light controller batty. Also, it would trip the GFI every time it was turned on. I had to sell it. My MH/PC light is run by a large magnetic ballast and seem to work fine.

 

[hdtran]

Flicker as in some folks can see the lights flickering as the AC goes thru zero volts with fluorescent bulbs. If you've got a PC monitor (old style CRT) running at 60 Hz refresh, many folks will notice flickering either in the monitor or the fluorescents.

But, as Joe M said, some electronic ballasts are badly shielded and create RFI.

 

[Eric P1]

I am running magnetics. @ $20 each I couldn't go wrong. I would prefer to use electronics but the cost factor made my decision easy.
Eric...