To all GC members howdy, I know this is probably gonna sound dumb but I was wondering about magnetic ballast systems and how universal some may be. I have ran across a 100w hps system that has a 200v capacitor and a 150-3a starter the coil says to use 150w starter. My question is for anyone who knows would it be sound or smart to use it with 150w hps bulb or are there dangers? I want to make another small cabinet and wanted to use supplies I have any help would be appreciated
not a good idea. I rig up alot of stuff (diy) and I wouldn't overdrive a hps or any other hid light. Not only is it a huge fire hazard, but using too many watts will also greatly diminish bulb life and it will also change the light spectrum too. I've seen grows where guys overdrive cfls....but never an hps. *irrelevant to your situation....just an fyi : I personally run two 250w hps on adjustable digital ballasts...dialed down to 150w...occasionally pushing them to 175w. I do this not only to save some life/$ on the bulbs...but also because hortilux doesn't make anything below 250w