HOT BALLAST!

[TamyLove420]

Should my 1000 watt ValueLine ballast be getting super hot? Is this something I should worry about?

[emilya]

Should my 1000 watt ValueLine ballast be getting super hot? Is this something I should worry about?

I would not like super hot. It would make me worry. But then again, I am a worry wort. Im curious though since you posted this on another thread,
"My 1000 watt HPS light says I can only run the light for 12 hours. I'm in the veg stage and I wanna run it for 18 hours. Can I do that even though the box says no?"

Could this have something to do with it getting hot?

I just wanted to consolidate your problem into this one thread so that those with experience with these "hot" lights and ballast can better analyze your situation. I run cool fluorescents.

Emmie

[EvilCartman]

Should my 1000 watt ValueLine ballast be getting super hot? Is this something I should worry about?

How hot is "super hot"? ;)

It shouldn't really be very hot.
I just checked. On the warmest spots I could find on my 1000, the thermometer got readings from 107 to 110°F. Warm, certainly not hot.

Is it positioned so that air can move around it freely?

See if you can get a true temp.
Tape down a sensor from a thermometer or something. Umm,...unless it's so hot it melts plastic. :eek:

[TamyLove420]

OMG! It was so hot I could only have my hand on it 4 a sec or risk getting burned. LOL. But thank god it was brand new cuz my hydro store ended up exchanging it 4 a new one.

[Morbidangel]

ya thats very dangerous lol

[TamyLove420]

Do u know anything about valu line ballasts? thats the brand i have and now the new one is getting really hot too and I have a cooling fan blowing cool air on it to try 2 keep it cool...idk what 2 do?

[DogtowN]

Do u know anything about valu line ballasts? thats the brand i have and now the new one is getting really hot too and I have a cooling fan blowing cool air on it to try 2 keep it cool...idk what 2 do?

I've seen those. They're very basic. The case is light steel with louvers for cooling. It's going to run hot.
I wouldn't be surprised to see temperatures approach 140-150 degrees F. (on a 1000) maybe even a little higher. If that makes you uncomfortable, you should upgrade to a higher price-point. I see the switchable "Valueline 1000" goes for ~120 bucks. That's about rock-bottom there. ;)

If you can, do like EvilC suggests. Stick a thermometer on that thing and find out how hot it really is.

I like the heavier cases in a mag ballast, with the fins for cooling. Those light, sheet-steel cases with a few louvers, do a poor job of dissipating the heat. The hotter a unit runs, the shorter the life span of the component parts. The fan blowing on it is a good idea. :thumbsup:

Plants and bulbs will come and go, a good ballast is forever. (or thereabouts :))

[TamyLove420]

Thank u so much for this info!!!! its definitely making my life easier!!!

AND i wanna send a special shoutout to all the veterans and their advice and tips!!! u guys are the best!