trying to tidy up electrical, raw ballasts?

[growshopfrank]

But why go to all the trouble? Really?

X2

 

[growshopfrank]

Marshal they also sell regular metal boxes at home depot. 4x4, 6x6, and 8x8 boxes I believe. These boxes are general purpose, and I've used them for ballasts in the past with success. They are usually b/n $20-$30 depending on the size. I've used the 8x8 for a 400w ballast. They are starting to sell open ballast lights, I saw them at my local hydro store. They are cheaper. I suppose you could mount it to fire rated plywood, and enclose it in some metal mesh if your on a budget, but my favorite is to throw em in an old pc tower. I am a perpetual d.i.yer so I could never just buy an already built light. My spirit just won't let me. lol.

FWIW we sell a BALLAST BOX for $18

 

[megatrom]

well the transformer would sit flat. I dont have one here to look at to measure height. Not worried about the heat, I would vent it.

I have run ballasts open before in a garage, mounted on plywood. Was never really worried.

But these are now mounted in a small closet, with carpet etc and it just makes me nervous. I have pictures of it as I plan on posting a before and after. I wont post the pics now cause it is just ugly

yes, i can certainly understand your worries. The 6" will defenitely be tight though. If it was 8", I would say your golden. Good luck either way. that's gonna be one heavy box by the time you are done with it. lol.

 

[Marshall]

X2

But why go to all the trouble? Really?

so you would just leave the ballasts open with all the connections?

 

[micro420guy]

old automotive battery chargers make great ballast box's.

 

[Electrician]

so you would just leave the ballasts open with all the connections?

I don't use open ballast. I don't like things being exposed. I just don't see why your going to all the trouble when there are so many small, compact , slim and quite ballast available out there today. Just seems like a waste of energy. Buy one, plug it in, and be done with it.

 

[Marshall]

I don't use open ballast. I don't like things being exposed. I just don't see why your going to all the trouble when there are so many small, compact , slim and quite ballast available out there today. Just seems like a waste of energy. Buy one, plug it in, and be done with it.

Because I already own these ballasts. replacing 8 1000w ballasts would be pricey (currently using 4)

From your description it sounds like you are talking about digitals. I wouldn't go with digitals anytime soon

 

[growshopfrank]

so you would just leave the ballasts open with all the connections?

No what Im saying is that its amazing the lengths "clever" peps go through to try to save a few bucks when a more economical obvious (to most) solution exist is all

 

[messn'n'gommin']

An 18" to 22" tool box with a removable tray, would hold two ballasts well enough ($15-$20?). A carpenter's tool box would hold all four, but they're a bit pricey ($50-$75?) and total weight with the ballasts is going to be pushing about 50 lbs or more. Still, whatever enclosure you use, yeah, ventilation would be a must!

GL