Power supply question (400 hps)

[MisterSource]

Does the power supply need cooling? It's pretty hot, is this ok?

It's mounted at the top shelf of my cab,so there is no real active venting on it. Just wondering if it is generally designed to take the heat that it produces.

Digital ballast if that makes a difference.

Thanks!

MisterSource Reviewed by MisterSource on 03-09-2006. Power supply question (400 hps) Does the power supply need cooling? It's pretty hot, is this ok? It's mounted at the top shelf of my cab,so there is no real active venting on it. Just wondering if it is generally designed to take the heat that it produces. Digital ballast if that makes a difference. Thanks! Rating: 5

[simplesimon]

I would take the ballast out if i were and mount it out side the grow room, but if not a little computer fan might help

[karmaxul]

220 volt keeps your ballasts a bit cooler which is the only reason it saves energy. Not worth setting up for a cabinet as the convertor is expensive and uses energy itself but my strung out point is they are designed to run at that temp. Like simon said keeping it cooler is better for it and it will work longer. I used home made ballasts that had no cover on them. It keeps the insides cooler but do not touch the wires. I had a bit of a problem with that. The 1000 watters make your arm go numb for a second.

One love
c

[karmaxul]

What a digital ballast? I must be behind the times.

One love
c

[MisterSource]

digital ballast uses less power, and the ballast is switchable. I can use MH and HPS in the same ballast.

I will probably end up getting a small fan for it. I don't like heat anywhere near my babies.

[jamstigator]

They also emit way less heat, and weigh a fraction of what standard ballasts weigh, and emit basically no noise. I'm using one too, same situation, got it in the top shelf. I just put a 6" clip fan up there blowing on it and moving the air around, and that seems to be working fine.