BC Ballast Digital Ballasts are proving to be a very high Quality ballast.

In the hydroponics industry there are many digital ballast options available to growers. We brought in a few different brands so far and have been selling the BC Ballast digital ballast lineup for approximately 1 year. We have had nothing but satisfied customers and positive feedback on them and quite happy to have them in our product line up.

They BC Ballast Digital ballast comes with a 3 year solid warranty that offers the customer a NEW replacement if anything goes wrong with the original digital ballast purchased. Please read disclaimer from the BC Ballast website:

Warranty:

BC Ballast’s warranty does not apply to damages resulting from any action including but not limited to mishandling, improper interfacing, operation outside of design limits, improper repairs or unauthorized modifications. This warranty is void if the unit shows evidence of having been tampered with or damaged as a result of excessive corrosion/water damage, excessive current, heat, moisture or vibration; improper specification; misapplication; misuse or other operating conditions outside of BC Ballast’s control.

Disclaimer:

BC Ballast intends that this product is to be installed by a qualified electrician. BC Ballast intends that this product is to be used for plant lighting on lawful plant species. BC Ballast does not accept any liability of misuse of this product by the customer.

We have had no issues with the BC Ballast digital ballast lineup and have found them to be one of the most reliable digital ballasts of all the brands we have ever sold over the years. 

Heres some more info on the BC Ballast Digital ballasts.

600W & 1000W Digital Electronic Ballast

• Operates a range of voltages for both MH and HPS lamps
• Lamp detection technology ensures safe and proper lamp operation
• Short circuit protection eliminates the need for fuses or reset buttons
• Generator friendly and flip-board ready
• Dimmable units run at 50, 75, and 100%
• Gradual dimming function available to manually adjust lumen output and power consumption – ensures lamp performance and longevity
• 1000W units require 9.0 Amps on 120V and 4.4 Amps on 240V
• 600W units require 5.6 Amps on 120V and 2.8 Amps on 240V
• Also available in 400W units!
• All units operate efficiently on 120V, 240V and 208V
• Higher lumen output than magnetic ballasts
• Long range igniter equipped – Up to 75′
• Completely sealed against dust and moisture
• Built in high temperature shut off at 75ºC/167ºF
• Completely silent, light-weight and energy-efficient
• 3 year warranty!
• *Shielded lamp-cords sold seperately

 

Replacing Lamps Frequently

We are often asked questions about replacing lamps for indoor gardens.  In this post we wanted touch down on that topic.

When growing indoors, spectrum and light intensity are very important.  The quality and quantity of light are one of the most important factors that can affect plant growth and yield.  Without adequate lighting or incorrect light spectrum, plants can suffer and yields will be reduced .

When walking into an indoor garden the human eye is often blinded by the brightness of the lights and can’t often notice a shift in spectrum or intensity diminished but the plants can and do.  Lamps that burn 12 hours a day for long periods of time will weaken in spectrum and intensity over time.  This happens in all HID lamps .  The chemical reaction within the arc tube will deteriorate over time and affect the output of the bulb.  Unfortunately lamps are not like our sun, they do need to be replaced.  Imagine growing under cloudy conditions, after awhile its bright enough for humans but plant growth will be become weak.

To maintain full growth, large flowers and abundant yields, lamps need to replaced on a regular schedule.  Burning a 1000 watt lamp that only puts out half the output it should is burning the full amount of electricity but only giving you half the results.

People always ask us how long should we keep our bulbs burning for?    Typically an High Pressure Sodium  lamp will last longer then a metal halide lamp.  HPS lamps are usually good for approx 10 months.  Metal Halide 6-8 months and its time to replace.  This is for Optimal growth.  Most growers use the HPS for no longer then 1 year and the MH no longer then 6 months.  For the price of a new lamp, the yield that is lost out weighs the cost in most cases.

The lamps usually have a monthly an annual calendar on the socket base theat you can scratch off the month and year you purchased so that way you can know how long the lamp has been running.  Its a quick and easy way to mark the lamp.  This way if you ever switch it out or mix it up you’ll always know how long it has been used.