ballast question

what is a ballast? and why r they important? do i need one running a 250 hps in a grow box?

ballasts are needed to run HID lighting..they dont fit in a regular socket and what not..you have to plug the lamp into the ballast and the ballast into the wall. So yes, you would need a ballast, and Magnetic ballasts, are larger and hum a little , while digital ballasts are smaller and quieter...

Digital Ballasts can run Metal Halide and HPS bulbs
Magnetic Ballasts can run HPS and CMH bulbs

hmmm well i bought an HPS and it didnt buy the ballest? does this mean when it arrives i cant use it without the ballast?

hahah wow fuck me... i just googled images the specs of the wiring.. 5m IEC 'Kettle' type Lead.. annnnd yup.. that aint pluging into anything in my house.

how do you have 60 posts and yet don't know what a ballast is? when they run the bulb lol retard read a little first before creating a thread thats all
edit: nah most come 120v standard for most outlets