Heat Output of HID Lighting

[niacinamide]

My apologies for this rather noobish question but search results have not provided anything conclusive. Out of the three major HID lighting types, metal halide, ceramic metal halide, and high pressure sodium, which of the three produces the least heat? From what I understand, ceramic metal halide operates at a lower temperature than traditional metal halide lamps but I do not know if high pressure sodium lamps are hotter or cooler than CMH.

Further, what kind of precautions can be taken to minimize the possibility of a fire when the HID lamp is operating unattended? Have any of you experienced a lamp failure in which hot shards of glass exploded everywhere? A sealed enclosure would provide a margin of safety but they also have drawbacks such as filtering out a portion of the light produced and the need for additional ventilation.

It seems that the more complicated an area becomes, the greater the chance a failure can occur and the lower amount of stealth. CFL bulbs seem to be the safest choice but also yield the lowest amounts.

Any input would be appreciated.

 

[MedGrowerTom]

CMH bulbs run from a HPS ballast, I know thats not what ur asking, but in case ya didn't know lol
TOm

 

[Neuronaut]

CMH is the coolest 400 that is currently available from my understanding.

 

[been]

Wattage = heat

It doesn't matter what kind of lamp you're using; 400 watts is 400 watts.

 

[strydr]

CMH "throws" less heat than HPS. Major drawback is highest wattage for CMH is 400.
As for safety, here's my suggestions:
1. use sealed hoods- if a bulb lets go, the hood will capture the molten parts that fly.
2. use quality electrical components, and never overload any circuits (remember the %80 rule).
3. inspect (regularly) all electrical components (well, inspect everything).
4. keep a fire extinguisher (and make sure it's the correct type) handy.
5. make sure all electrical stuff safe from water exposure (esp. in a hydro setup)

HID lights are designed to run unsupervised. You can buy devices that will shut things down in a over-temp situation.

 

[niacinamide]

Wattage = heat

It doesn't matter what kind of lamp you're using; 400 watts is 400 watts.

Yet isn't the crux of the matter how efficient the lighting source converts electricity into light? For example, 90% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is emitted as heat, rather than as visible light. Since HPS is the most efficient of the three major types of HID light sources, should it not run the coolest for a given watt level?

 

[been]

Yet isn't the crux of the matter how efficient the lighting source converts electricity into light? For example, 90% of the power consumed by an incandescent light bulb is emitted as heat, rather than as visible light. Since HPS is the most efficient of the three major types of HID light sources, should it not run the coolest for a given watt level?

You're talking about lumens? I'm talking about heat. http://www.borino.com/GYC/wattsbtu_calculator.htm