Some question on MH light

**Shadow** · 19th Nov 2007, 23:49

I just bought 2nd 150W MH light and need to do re-cabling on the main supply side (cable from wall socket to the transformer/ballast).

The questions are:
1) Is there any requirement for the cable thickness or I can use any cable as long as it can withstand 1A of current (> 150W/230V)?
2) What is the MH transformer base ballast efficiency? I’m trying to calculate what is the real power used by both transformer and MH bulb.
3) Is it possible to connect 2 x 70W MH in parallel and drive it using single 150W transformer/ballast?

Thanks in advance

**tawauboy** · 20th Nov 2007, 07:31

the normal 3-core cable would be good enough for your connection from mains to ballast.

no idea on the ballast efficiency. need to calculate the electricity cost? not necessary to know the efficiency because you are paying for the real/true power only.

don't think it is ok to connect 2 70w in parallel. no current control into individual bulbs.

**o2bubble** · 20th Nov 2007, 08:28

Bro, i tink u r trying to minimise electricity

but i tink its not safe to use single ballast to run 2x70w mh..

**Shadow** · 20th Nov 2007, 09:44

Originally Posted by tawauboy

no idea on the ballast efficiency. need to calculate the electricity cost? not necessary to know the efficiency because you are paying for the real/true power only.

I just do not want the cable that I used become hot because of out of spec.

Originally Posted by o2bubble

Bro, i tink u r trying to minimise electricity

but i tink its not safe to use single ballast to run 2x70w mh..

I just curious

. 2x70W = 140W and the ballast is 150W. unless there is something else such as surge curent needed during first turn on.