Electricity.........

[flatcat_auz]

It seems that due to the lack of response to the is post that:

 

A) Not many people use digital ballasts and if they do the power usage is nominal to the older style ballasts.

 

LED are not at a stage yet where serious growers are using them with success.

 

C) Who cares about prices when growing for yourself.

[ConvexConepiece]

I have a 400 digi, nothing to compare it to however I can still assure you it's a noticeable increase on the bill.

[flatcat_auz]

I have a 400 digi, nothing to compare it to however I can still assure you it's a noticeable increase on the bill.

Thanks Gibbo

One of the reason's of this question as I have had over the last 12mths a significant increase in electricity(the first was $300 more than I had ever paid). I am aware that prices have increased in my area but not to the amounts that I have received.I wondering if my ballast (about 4+yrs old) had something to do (not the whole increase but a lot of it) with it and if I had feedback regarding these digital things confirming a reduction in power consumption I may well consider replacing it.I am going to purchase a device from dickie smith that can calculate actual running costs (don't ask me how it works it plugs into the wall and than you connect the things you want to check) just to see what's happening.

I am also considering purchasing a small mother light. I like the concept of LED's and wondered what was happening out in the real world.....rather than absorbing numbers and figures from the retailers.

[Jedi Hippie]

Digital Ballast Test Info

 

400watt Lumatek Digital Ballast Test Info

 

All testing was conducted using a SON-T 400w lamp and a Digital light meter distanced 1m from the lamp with an open ended shade (Ablite Reflex). KW/h was costed at an average electricity price of 18.7c per KW/h.

 

 

 

Digital Ballast with Super Lumen Switch OFF

 

Startup Amps 1.2-1.4 (2mins)

 

Running Amps 1.75

 

Running wattage 422w

 

 

 

Lumen Output 1,400 Lumens at 1m from lamp after 2mins

 

Cost/hr @ 18.7c per KW/h = 7c per hour to run

 

 

 

Digital Ballast with Super Lumen Switch ON (Recommended for HPS lamps only)

 

Startup Amps 1.4-1.7 (2mins)

 

Running Amps 1.9

 

Running Wattage 467w

 

Lumen Output 1,570 Lumens at 1m from lamp after 2mins

 

Cost/hr @18.7c per KW/h = 8c per hour to run

 

 

 

 

 

Normal Core and Coil 400w Ballast of a popular Australian 400w Ballast

 

Start up Amps 2.5

 

Running Amps 1.95 (after 20mins)

 

Running Wattage 430w

 

Lumen Output 1,320 Lumens at 1m from lamp after 20mins

 

Cost per hr @18.7c per KW/h = 8c per hour to run

 

*All figures may vary slightly depending on power voltage at different times and locations most voltage will range between 240-250v which affects power consumption.

 

 

There`s a coupla pages with info at the below url.Just look under digital ballast info.

 

http://www.hollandforge.com.au/index1.html

 

 

 

I think there are advantages to digital ballasts.No heat,no noise,low weight easy to move/mount,can run both MH & HPS.

 

Peace

Edited May 28, 2009 by Jedi Hippie

[flatcat_auz]

Thanks Jedi......that's the information that is very handy.....hopefully soon I'll be able to post's some costs.