What Ballast?

[xaraph]

I plan on setting up a 400W CMH grow in a Secret Jardin DR80 (31.5"x31.5"x63") in the next few weeks.

After reading through most of the almost 300 page thread on CMH bulbs, I didn't come across anything regarding good UL rated pre-wired ballasts (do they even exist?). I'd post this in the CMH thread but quite frankly, at it's current size it's become kind of overwhelming without someone updating the original post to contain useful links/info.

So my question is, does anyone have suggestions on a 400w quality magnetic ballast? Preferably UL rated.

 

[stonedar]

well there are alot of places to purchase ballasts, I am a creature of habit I buy mine from PLH they sell a $75 400w magnetic ballast with a 5 year rebuild/replace warranty.
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/sunlight-ss10-remote-ballast-c-357_838.html

they sell lots of 400w magnetic ballasts and relflectors and such. they sell Hydrofarm's Xtrasun for $99.90 also a 5yr rebuild/replace warranty
http://www.plantlightinghydroponics.com/xtrasun-400w-hps-remote-ballast-p-2123.html

also they carry CAP ballasts from $99-149

before you buy remember to decide if you want a switchable ballast or not, they are a few bucks more and run CMH, HPS, and MH bulbs. not a huge deal just something to think about.

also there are 2 types of cordsets (the thing you plug your bulb into) so the Hydrofarm/XtraSun ballast have one type of plug and the Sunlight and Cap have the other kind. you gotta match your reflector/cordset to your ballast type OR they make an adapter that works fine. you just gotta pay some attention.

as far as UL listing as far as I know only SG ballast are UL listed. all the ballasts I listed are made by reliable manufacturers you can't go wrong with either one.

remember to check around for prices PLH has good prices almost always best but can't hurt to look around.

also HTGsupply.com stuff works.

 

[xaraph]

Ouch, I almost forgot completely about matching the reflector cord to the ballast. Thanks a ton, that link will be useful.