Are all M-80 ballasts the same?

[Kinerson]

I can buy an M-80 (hqi) 250w ballast at the local electrical distributor for about $80. It will not have PFO stamped on it. Any idea if the brand matters an these ballasts as far as how the cct and ppfd are affected according to Sanjays charts?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Greg,
The components are likely same brand and will produce the exact same output with only the usual variance from ballast to ballast to be expected. A coil, igniter, and capacitor are what's inside.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[Kinerson]

So wether I have a Sylvania M-80, an advance M-80, or a Magnetic M-80, the characteristics of a specific lamp (cct, ppfd, etc) should be about the same. Any differences are minor and are not caused by the ballasts being different brands but the fact that they are different ballasts (and lamps for that matter)?

Thanks,
Greg

 

[kevinpo]

Hi Greg,
The variance of the three internal components by brand should have little impact on the bulb output. Each one is produced to certain specifications for that type of product and will be interchageable with other brands.

HTH,
Kevin

 

[Kinerson]

Thanks Kevin