Ballasts for T5

[saugata]

Hi!

Can we use the normal electronic ballasts (the ones that we use with T8s) along with T5 HO lights?

[tawauboy]

i don't think so. t5ho requires more driving power.
what is the wattage rating of your ballast?

[saugata]

I have 36 watts Phillips Electronic Ballasts and was thinking if it was possible to use this to light 28 watts Osram T5 HO lamp. Infact I read somewhere that its possible. I just want to be doubly sure before I try as I don't want to land up in any trouble with my lights later on.

[BFG]

Using a higher rating ballast to fire a lower watt rating bulb is called Overdriven/Overdriving. The marine folks over in US has been doing so for a few years with a dedicated ballast just to overdrive the 54w T5 HO bulb. The side effect usually fall on the bulb which shorten the bulb life span.

For your case Saugata, keep a watch on your wires and connection point. Heat might be the culprit and you might need a higher load rating wire and connector. I have never tried overdriving my 54w T5 HO light tubes so my input in this thread might not help you. Just sharing what I've learnt.

[tawauboy]

using a 36w ballast to drive a 28w t5 tube should be ok.
there is no need to change to the wiring to a higher rating as the increase is not that high. there should be sufficient "buffer' with your original wires.