My 1000 watt magnetic ballast is hot; but how hot is too hot?

I have two 1000watt magnetic ballasts that are super hot when they're on. After being on for about an hour, I can only hold my hand on it for 5 or 6 seconds. Is this normal or is it running too hot? How many seconds should I be able to hold my hand on the ballast after it's been on for 18 hours?

Its gonna be hot as shit... I would still suggest running a fan over it if you feel its getting too hott, I run little fans over mine and i can usually touch them no prob throughout the light cycle.

Okay thanks. So if you didn't have a fan running on your ballasts, would they be as hot as mine are?

yes, magnetic ballasts get very hot after operating for a while, this is the major source of energy loss associated with them.