Running F96T12/HO lamps on 1500ma VHO ballast « on: December 21, 2024, 12:33:42 AM » Author: HomeBrewLamps
I recently replaced the ballast in one of the strip lights in the garage because the electronic HO ballast died and all I own are VHO ballasts. I'm wondering how badly this is abusing the HO lamps if it is at all? Am I going to be expecting severely reduced lamp life? If the tubes are not compatible is there a good source of tubes or someone willing to sell a case? I'm liking how bright they are now...
« Last Edit: December 21, 2024, 12:36:48 AM by HomeBrewLamps »		Logged

~Owen

Scavenger, Urban Explorer, Lighting Enthusiast and Creator of homebrewlamps

	Re: Running F96T12/HO lamps on 1500ma VHO ballast « Reply #1 on: December 21, 2024, 06:55:31 PM » Author: WorldwideHIDCollectorUSA
From what I know, lamp life will likely be severely reduced by running the lamps at nearly double their rated current. I highly recommend these magnetic ballasts if you want your tubes to last as long as possible: https://www.ebay.com/itm/165311847323
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Desire to collect various light bulbs (especially HID), control gear, and fixtures from around the world.

DISCLAIMER: THE EXPERIMENTS THAT I CONDUCT INVOLVING UNUSUAL LAMP/BALLAST COMBINATIONS SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED UNLESS YOU HAVE THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES.

	Re: Running F96T12/HO lamps on 1500ma VHO ballast « Reply #3 on: December 22, 2024, 04:51:43 PM » Author: HomeBrewLamps
Are VHO lamps pretty much extinct? I would rather have VHO tbh. The HO is knocked out of the water by this set up. Or should I just find a bunch of cheap HO tubes and let it eat them ? 😂
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~Owen

Scavenger, Urban Explorer, Lighting Enthusiast and Creator of homebrewlamps

	Re: Running F96T12/HO lamps on 1500ma VHO ballast « Reply #4 on: December 23, 2024, 05:41:13 AM » Author: WorldwideHIDCollectorUSA
From what I have seen, I have had a hard time sourcing some. I have had some decent luck with finding them on atr lighting.
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Desire to collect various light bulbs (especially HID), control gear, and fixtures from around the world.

DISCLAIMER: THE EXPERIMENTS THAT I CONDUCT INVOLVING UNUSUAL LAMP/BALLAST COMBINATIONS SHOULD NOT BE ATTEMPTED UNLESS YOU HAVE THE PROPER KNOWLEDGE. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY INJURIES.

	Re: Running F96T12/HO lamps on 1500ma VHO ballast « Reply #5 on: December 23, 2024, 12:37:39 PM » Author: suzukir122
I'm having a tough time finding VHO lamps online as well, specifically on Ebay. I found one listing for Philips VHO lamps, pick up only, 60 miles from my location. Those are energy saver lamps though, 185w F96T12.
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