Standard Florescent Ballast

[dwall174]

I have a regular (tar) ballast for dual 40-watt bulbs! Can this be wired to run two 20-watt bulbs?

[Geoff]

i do not know, but most of the ballasts have alternate wiring diagrams on thier label.

G~

[dwall174]

That would be nice if there was alternate wiring diagrams on the label However, this one only has the standard wiring for two 40-watt bulbs! I'm assuming that if they can be wired that they would be overdriven?

Geoff
You know that feeling you get when you just have to build something! I have 8 of these ballast's, ten 4' reflectors & 8 waterproof endcaps!

I'm just looking to add some more or better lighting to my 32gal 24" x 18" x 18" fuge!

[Geoff]

Originally posted by dwall174
Geoff
You know that feeling you get when you just have to build something! I have 8 of these ballast's, ten 4' reflectors

All To Well!!!

can you post the part# and manufacturer of the ballast? it seems some are capable of overdriving NO's while others do not overdrive them. you may be able to google the part# and get some other wirings.

G~

[dwall174]

There several years old so but have never been used! so the # may be old? MagneTek cat# 446-L-SLH-TC-P Made by Universal Manufacturing, Paramus NJ

[Nafe]

What exactly do you mean by overdriving them? increasing there wattage?

[Geoff]

Originally posted by Nafe
What exactly do you mean by overdriving them? increasing there wattage?

overdriving is like putting an NO bulb on a VHO ballast. it will light and work at about the same brightness as if it were a VHO bulb. there is still some discussion on whether or not it decreases the usable life of the bulb faster than if it were a VHO bulb.

some ballast when wired CORRECTLY can overdrive an NO bulb 2-3 times it rating. depending on the ballast it can be less expensive.

G~

[dwall174]

I still haven't gotten any information on these ballasts other than the standard wiring. I think I'm going to try it anyway & see what happens. Of course I will try this out in the garage just incase!

[Geoff]

you should be fine. as long as you are running a lower wattage than the maximum total wattage the ballast can handle it will work. if you are lucky they may be slightly overdriven, but doubt it. looking around HD and Lowe's it seems most ballasts that are dual 40 also have dual 20 as a plug and run option.

G~