Electronic Ballast? Lighting that you can plug into outlet?

[bum]

Hey guys... I'm growing a bunch of fruit/veggies and figured you guys could answer my question best!

I'm growing these plants at my school, so I can't wire them directly into the circuit like traditional fluoro/HID ballasts.

I'm trying to find ballasts that you can just plug into the wall outlet--- are all electronic ballasts like that?


Do you have any other suggestions besides CFLs?

[the image reaper]

well, yes, 120-volt ballasts are plugged into a typical household outlet, providing the wiring is suitable for that load ... you must indicate what size lamps, you are talking about ... if you're just growing some small veggies, for a science class, etc., several CFL bulbs should be sufficient, no ballast needed ... :smokin:

[bum]

Hi reaper. Are you saying that if I get High Tech Garden Supply (http://www.htgsupply.com/growlights.asp?categoryID=1&subcategoryID=155&typeID=55) <<that for example, that I can just plug it directly into an outlet? Will I need to do any wiring at all?

I'm going to be growing strawberries, tomatoes, and sugar snap peas. I need some good lighting to produce fruit. Although my research has showed me people growing nice looking cherry tomatoes under 50w of CFLs... so with 400w HPS I think I'll have some nice fruits :)

[the image reaper]

yes, the ballast/lamp setup you pictured, plugs into a wall outlet ... it will (should) have, a grounded 3-prong plug, and the typical wall outlet should have sufficient capability (a color TV can easily draw 400 watts, too) ... keep in mind, that reflector is not enclosed, you will need plenty of ventilation, fans, etc. ... happy gardening :thumbsup:

[bum]

Thanks reaper!

Should I assume most of these setups plug into the wall? Are there some keywords you could give me that indicate whether or not they do or not?