Magnetic vs Electronic Ballast

[saltybastard]

I recently purchased 2 electronic ballasts and 2 Lumenmax 3 pendants.

I then found a good deal on two (used) giesemann nova pendants that come with magnetic ballasts.

I basically wanted to use electronic ballasts to save a little bit on the electricity bill as I heard they don't consume as much power. Is there a big difference?

I still have time to return my purchases

Is there much of a difference between performance of these units (other than looks)? Also, can I use my electronic ballasts on the giesemann pendants with a DIY job?

Should I just be happy with what I got??

[lordofthereef]

Copied and pasted this info. for you. I can say that the hobby seems to be gravitating towards the electronic ballast. My understand is that you can replace your megnetics with electronics as you see fit. I have read that some bulbs are rated to work better for magnetics than electronics or vice versa.

Magnetic Ballasts

Up until a few years ago, magnetic ballasts were the only option for HID light sources, and they are still the type that is most often used. The most common type of magnetic ballast sold today is the constant-wattage autotransformer, which effectively regulates lamp power to minimize flicker and unexpected shutoffs if the line voltage varies. Composed mainly of magnetic coils, these ballasts often include a capacitor in the circuitry to improve power factor. Magnetic ballasts generally have internal losses of at least 10 percent of the lamp wattage—and the percentage is even higher for lower-wattage lamps. Manufacturers produce magnetic ballasts capable of working with lamps of up to 1,500 watts (W).

Electronic Ballasts

Electronic ballasts are a relatively new offering, and they are now available for lamps of up to 450 W. They use switching electronics and small high-frequency inductors, rather than large line-frequency ones, to control current and voltage to the lamp. Though costly, electronic ballasts offer a host of benefits over their magnetic counterparts, including higher efficiency, better dimming capabilities, better light quality, and shorter warm-up times.

[ROB2005]

Not to mention most electronic ballasts can fire either probe or pulse start bulbs.

[saltybastard]

Thanks guys. Also, special thanks to LordoftheReefs. You always seem to be answering my questions.

[AARON167]

I just switched from 250w mag ballast to an elec. ballast, and WOW, what a big difference. I kept the same bulbs in so that I could compare the two. Im really glad I upgraded, the elec. ballast fire the bulb so much brighter than the mag.

[bjsmith112083]

Electronic is pretty much the standard in lighting now. I work in the commercial lightins industry and can tell you that we only sell magnetic ballast, rarely at best. Especially in California with all the codes and stuff that need to be met. Electronic ballast also run a lot cooler than magnetic ballast. Think of it this way, magenetic ballasts are to electronic, what incadescent lamps are to compact flourescent. It is the new, and does a better job all around.

[saltybastard]

Sounds good.

[James77]

Choose the ballast based on the bulb. Electronic does not always mean better, especially as far as PAR and brightness are concerned.

DE and HQI rated bulbs will run better, brighter, and longer on magnetic HQI ballasts. The electronic will run most any bulb, which is great, but it won't always run the bulb to the bulbs spec.

[James77]

http://reefkeeping.com/issues/2007-03/sj/index.php


Shows a chart with the ideal ballast for many bulbs. I used to have electronic ballasts, and now run HQI magnetics. All the DE bulbs will run better on them, and about half the SE will as well ( for the 250 watters)