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View Full Version : Ballast Container?


ChazzReinhold
11-27-2007, 10:45 PM
You guys know of anything that would work well to hold a ballast? I have the biggest project box that Radio shack sells and it's not tall enough to put the lid on and barely has room for the capacitor/igniter. It seems impossible to find a reasonably sized enclosure anywhere, but maybe I just don't know what to look for.
Doc 007
11-28-2007, 03:13 PM
Is this a home made ballast?
ChazzReinhold
11-29-2007, 09:13 PM
Yeah for the most part. Bought a cheap ballast on ebay which came pre-wired, and I just had to wire the plug and socket. I think I may look for a cheap plastic toolbox to put it in, but I'd like to find something aluminum if possible. I may just have to make it myself.
klondike_bar
11-30-2007, 12:27 AM
id avid housing it in metal, or you may unwillingly have 2 or more meatl bits in contact with a case that could short the whole thing using 120v and multiple amps. use the plastic stuff, or anything thats not conductive
bud luv
11-30-2007, 08:26 AM
Use Metal for sure! plastic would melt!

Here'z one for sale: Ballast Box (http://www.mdhydro.com/ballastbox.html)
klondike_bar
11-30-2007, 10:02 PM
it depends on the boards. if in a metal box, make SURE that the board does not make any metal to metal contact. some boards should be safe, but some will probably have big sodder points just screaming to short it in a metal box
bud luv
12-01-2007, 03:58 AM
it depends on the boards. if in a metal box, make SURE that the board does not make any metal to metal contact. some boards should be safe, but some will probably have big sodder points just screaming to short it in a metal box

Dude they're MADE for putting BALLASTS inside them. They have the appropriate design, obviously.

Regardless One should never use anything plastic like a toolbox like someone was saying. That's a Grade-A way to burn your hous down.
wesley willis
12-01-2007, 03:47 PM
i have used in the past a pc power supply case (400 watt mh), and a large junction box. (1kw hps). no problems with either and i still run both of the lights. the mh has the transformer on the outside of the case. i just put a layer of fibreglass cloth (no resin) between it and the metal of the case.