hot 400w ballast

Hi all.
So I have brought myself a tent kit, I haveset it all up and run it for a few hours. The ballast is really hot. Is this normal? I have searched the net and the answer is mainly yes. But no info on signs of danger. It is a cheap ballast. No display or adjustment settings. Thanks in advance.

Yes. Magnetic ballast I'm assuming?

They get hot. I was always able to.touch mine when running though.

You have it outside of the tent right?

I have a fan blowing on my ballasts...keeps them cool running and drops temp 8-10 degrees in room.

Certainly to be on safe side I'd definitely recommend it belng outside & away from tent or any other nearby likely flammables, as much as possibly allowed.

And then my preferance always is to sit the ballast on top of something like some thick ceramic floor tiles or stone slates, etc and then put that inside some type of metal box (drawer from old filing cabinet is ideal). Thus if the ballast unit does overheat, and/or catch fire, then it won't ignite anything near it - the tiles & box will help stop heat & flame spread.

Also, I would recommend always using a good quality contactor/ circuit protector, etc to help eliminate any electrical problems/fire potential too. Also some cheap digital timers can't cope with dodgy ballasts well and can become dangerous too.

And do be careful man, cause as well as injury, be aware that if ur ballast burns the house down and the insurance people & emergency services find that out then you're in a whole heap of financial trouble, just for starters!