sirdarksol

Alright, so I've almost got my lighting situation figured out, but I need a little more help.

Question the first: I have a chance at a 132w setup, but the ballast for that says "For commercial use only, Not for residential use." It's even underlined like that. I've got to presume there's a reason for this, but does anybody know what it is?

Question the second: Is there anything in particular that a ballast should or shouldn't be mounted to? The hood is going to be made of pine. I don't know if the ballast will get too hot for this. Should I mount it on a strip of metal to act as a heat sink (spread the heat out from the ballast)?

frogster221

i can only think of one reason for the first question and that is that it may take more electricity than a resident can give
the second i have no clue maybe somebody will come along to help you out.

04_si

Im an electrician, i deal with Ballasts all day everyday

Have a look at local Home Depot, or whatever else for a ballast that is meant to be in a house if you're concerned about it.

If not, the ballast will be absolutely fine in a house, there is VERY little current draw, and as long as its 120 volts, not 277v or 347v itll be fine.

As far as mounting it to pine, I really dont think that is a good idea. Those little suckers can get pretty hot. Maybe wire it in, and turn it on for a couple hours, but not on the piece of wood. See just how hot it gets, and go from there...