175 electronics running 150 DE bulbs: Risky?

[thoma226]

In trying to decide on lighting systems, I know that I want to run a 150 bulb, small pendant, and am trying to decide on a ballast. ARO makes a 150/175 ballast, which as best as I understand is really a 175 ballast that would then be overdriving the bulbs. I have heard that this can lead to burning whiter and can cause flickering. Is this true? What about the majority of HQI ballasts overdriving bulbs...do they do this as well? Ultimate question is: am I better off going with the ARO or another electronic ballast? Does the bulb type make a difference?

 

[ChrisRD]

IIRC Sanjay Joshi tested this ballast with 150 DE lamps and I don't think he mentioned having any problems.

I'll move this into the GRD for you so maybe someone who has tried it can chime in...

HTH