UPS vs. Ballast question

[samiam]

As I have quite the background in computer technical work, I wonder if I may use my APC UPS Backup Pro 280 in lieau of a ballast for now for a few seedlings I have? The UPS is rated for 480 joules, (Output- Output power capacity 280 VA
Output power capacity 180 watts
Max Configurable Power 280 VA
Max Configurable Power 180 watts
Nominal output voltage 120V

and input- Nominal input voltage 120V
Input frequency 50/60 Hz +/- 3 Hz (auto sensing)
Input Connection Type
NEMA L5-15P
Cord Length 6 feet ( 1.83 meters )
Input voltage range for main operations 82 - 147 V
Input voltage adjustable range for mains operation 78 - 152 V)

and the light I am startign with is a sylvania HPS 70 watt E17 requiring an ANSI ballast S62. If anyone can help, please feel free. I appreciate it in advance.

samiam Reviewed by samiam on 07-29-2005. UPS vs. Ballast question As I have quite the background in computer technical work, I wonder if I may use my APC UPS Backup Pro 280 in lieau of a ballast for now for a few seedlings I have? The UPS is rated for 480 joules, (Output- Output power capacity 280 VA Output power capacity 180 watts Max Configurable Power 280 VA Max Configurable Power 180 watts Nominal output voltage 120V and input- Nominal input voltage 120V Input frequency 50/60 Hz +/- 3 Hz (auto sensing) Input Connection Type Rating: 5

[Zandor]

Not sure if that is the high voltage most use or not. Most HPS lights are 277v ac well above 400w anyway. I think the 175w & 250w bulbs are also 277v but I have not used that small of a wattage in years.

[samiam]

well, i guess that answers it for me. I didn't think so for usage but, if it's free and I have it already lying around then I'll use it instead of plunking down "X" amount of cashola I may need to use elsewhere in this setup later on.

[Psycho4Bud]

You could use that as a backup power supply in case of electrical failure but I doubt it would work as a ballast. On a HPS your not only dealing with the basic ballast but also a capacitor(which is more less an electical accumulator) and a starter. I really don't think it'll fly, if it does work, PLEASE post it! I work at a hospital and them things are a dime a dozen.

[Psycho4Bud]

I found this, hope it helps!
http://www.weedfarmer.com/cannabis/d...ions_guide.php

[Psycho4Bud]

This is pretty good too, really gets into it!
http://www.lrc.rpi.edu/programs/nlpi...ireBallast.asp

Why do metal halide lamps require a ballast?
Metal halide (MH) ballasts are required to start the lamp, regulate the lamp starting and lamp operating currents, and provide appropriate sustaining supply voltage. (See "What are warm-up and restrike times for metal halide lamps?")

Starting the lamp: In MH lamps, ballasts provide the starting voltage and ignition pulses (pulse-start lamps) necessary to ignite the lamp. Probe-start MH ballasts, however, can take as long as 10 to 20 minutes to restrike (re-start) a lamp. Pulse-start MH ballasts can restrike the lamp within 2 to 8 minutes of an interruption in current, because they provide high-voltage pulses to start these lamps.

Regulating lamp current and power: The ballast regulates the lamp operating current flowing through the lamp after the lamp has been started. The ballast is set to deliver relatively stable power to the lamp while regulating the lamp current despite typical line voltage fluctuations. This maximizes lamp life and ensures other performance characteristics such as color and light output.

Providing appropriate sustaining voltage: MH ballasts must maintain suitable voltage and current wave shape to the lamp. MH lamp voltage typically increases over time, and the ballast must continue to provide sufficient voltage to the lamp as it ages. In addition, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and/or the lamp manufacturers specify a suitable current wave shape to the lamp to achieve good lumen maintenance. Lamp current crest factor (CCF) is defined by ANSI as the ratio of the peak value of lamp current to the root-mean-square value of the current. A low CCF (between 1.4 and 1.6) contributes to good lamp lumen maintenance and longer life.

There are alot of cross links to go into for definitions!

[samiam]

Oh, well. The experiemnt failed miserably although there could be a few possible answers I am willing to bank on the one I pretty much know to be true. UPS's are rated for computers only and since this has to handle a volt surge of 4000, I don't think I could ever even hope to get the thing to light. Then again, maybe it's the reflector and light itself I am using. Pipe-dream. Literally.

[Zandor]

â??The young often do not do what they are told, they must learn on their ownâ?�
Thor â?? Stargate SG1


HAHA I could not resest.

Sell them on eBay and use the money to buy other equipment you can use.