What is a ballast and why do I need one?
The ballast is the electrical component of a High Intensity Discharge (H.I.D.) or Fluorescent light that makes it work. The ballast is necessary to operate a H.I.D. or Fluorescent light. It converts the electricity from your home into the specific energy frequency needed to operate the lamp. Each specific H.I.D. lamp type (High Pressure Sodium [HPS], Metal Halide [MH], etc.) and wattage type (150, 250, 400, 600, 1000, etc.) have a specific ballast for each type and wattage of H.I.D. lamp. They are not compatible with each other, you cannot use different lamp types or wattages in your light other than the one specifically made for it. The only exception is using a “Conversion” lamp which is made to operate in a specific fixture. The ballast will typically have a power cord which plugs into your wall outlet. The ballast will also have an output receptacle or output cord which attached to the socket for your lamp. What is a reflector and why do I need one? Reflectors (also known as: hoods
