Convert Socket to use CFL bulb

mr2shim

Well-Known Member
I was wanting to use my cool tube to run a CFL bulb instead of HID. I haven't found anything but was wondering if there is a converter out there that willl convert the cool tube ballast plug so it can be plugged straight into the wall. Picture for reference. Basically bypass the ballast but still use the cord/cool tube without rewiring it.



BTW, I'm not an idiot I know you can't plug HID lamps straight into the wall and that's not what I'm asking.
 

prosperian

Well-Known Member
Interesting idea. Worse case scenario, grab a socket at the hardware store and cut the wire.

Make yourself a pair of pigtails so you can switch them out anytime, ya know.

On the cheap, just cut extension cords and you have the couplers for the job.

 

vostok

Well-Known Member
Yo got heat with a CFL enough to justify this hassle ...git it right first time ...lol
 

mr2shim

Well-Known Member
Yo got heat with a CFL enough to justify this hassle ...git it right first time ...lol
What? No, I can run my 400w HID all year long without heat issues. I didn't want to use a 400w MH for veg. I wouldn't consider unscrewing 3 wire caps a hassle. What do you mean get it right the first time? You think this is my first rodeo?

Interesting idea. Worse case scenario, grab a socket at the hardware store and cut the wire.

Make yourself a pair of pigtails so you can switch them out anytime, ya know.

On the cheap, just cut extension cords and you have the couplers for the job.


Hey prosperian, been a while. How's it going? The hardware store has pre-cut cords with a 3 prong NEMA connector on the other end. Probably will just do that then re-cap the ballast cord back on for flower. Too bad there's nothing more plug and play that I could use. Maybe I'll eventually make a cord with a 3 prong on one end and a female ballast connector on the other.
 

prosperian

Well-Known Member
I've been real good man, thanks for asking. Have a couple completed grow threads and a F(&k-around thread (Other Side of Fence) We all just hang out and post our bud porn and trouble shoot those in need. Miss your daily insight on the RIU grows man. I can only hope you moved on to bigger and better things.

...I went through a couple of my elect catalogs, but didn't see anything "turn key" like an adapter. I get what you're trying to do, maybe someone will catch this and send you the right direction.
 

mr2shim

Well-Known Member
I've been real good man, thanks for asking. Have a couple completed grow threads and a F(&k-around thread (Other Side of Fence) We all just hang out and post our bud porn and trouble shoot those in need. Miss your daily insight on the RIU grows man. I can only hope you moved on to bigger and better things.

...I went through a couple of my elect catalogs, but didn't see anything "turn key" like an adapter. I get what you're trying to do, maybe someone will catch this and send you the right direction.
That's a cool thread, I'll check it out. No I'm still running the same setup, kinda dialed it back a bit really. Just growing for two now so don't really need to go bigger. Silly me bought a 250w CFL not realizing how F'ing huge they are, looked at the size specs and it's way too big for my cool tube so now that idea is out the window lol. I suppose I COULD pull the reflector out of the glass and hang it batwing style until HPS is needed.
 
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