Such a newb question... will my digital ballast automatically know it's running 240?

DrGribble

DrGribble

Well-Known Member
I have been running my (iPower, and actually quite impressed for the money) digital ballasts for a while now but at 110/120 and just installed a CAP MLC-4XT so I can run them all off my new 30amp 240v circuit. These are 120/240 ballasts and only came with a standard power cord but my CAP unit works with both styles of cords... my question is, when I plug these into a 240V source they will automatically adjust and work correctly right? I don't need to make any physical changes?

The documentation with them is extremely vague and does not touch on this point whatsoever, my CAP controller stresses strongly not to plug a 110/120v device into it as it will be instantly destroyed. I assume the ballast just 'knows' and works the same when plugged into either type of power source.

There is no voltage selection switch or anything of that sort... I might just plug one in and see what happens though unless someone chimes in who knows within next half hour or so... gracias!

Just wanted to be sure before I fry one :)
 
DrGribble

DrGribble

Well-Known Member
I hooked them all up... I ask questions then answer for myself sometimes, whatever though it worked just fine and they havent burnt out yet... I almost think (all in my head) they're slightly brighter but I kind of doubt it. They are very solid ballasts, the reflectors they include (to keep costs down im sure) generally suck (but im using them) just because they are bent sloppy and what not.

Work great though, I did get a damaged lamp but no biggie... shipping kind of does that w/ glass.
 
N

Nodgman

Active Member
DrGribble said:
I hooked them all up... I ask questions then answer for myself sometimes, whatever though it worked just fine and they havent burnt out yet... I almost think (all in my head) they're slightly brighter but I kind of doubt it. They are very solid ballasts, the reflectors they include (to keep costs down im sure) generally suck (but im using them) just because they are bent sloppy and what not.

Work great though, I did get a damaged lamp but no biggie... shipping kind of does that w/ glass.
Click to expand...
Hey I'm trying to do the exact same thing Mcl-4x using ipower, and Apollo ballast. So your saying contrary to the instructions that came with the mcl-4x, there's no wire swapping needed? Also after ordering mine I had someone tell me that C.A.P is no longer in business and that their products are dangerous... You haven't had any problem huh?
 
SnapsProvolone

SnapsProvolone

Well-Known Member
If they say Input Voltage 100 - 250 or something similar then it means any voltage between those values.

Don't recall any electronic hid ballasts that require any change except perhaps a cord to match the plug end to the proper 240 receptacle.
 
downhill21

downhill21

Well-Known Member
$10 for the 240 cord as most digital ballasts come only with the 120v one. Yes, no other changes required. Plug and play.
 
jijiandfarmgang

jijiandfarmgang

Well-Known Member
If its wired correctly it should be 240v

I think Cap calls it an X plug or something but it's a
Universal Receptacle that will work with either Nema 6-15 & Nema 5-15

Nothing should need to be done to the ballast. Just plug and play.

I had to replace the contactors in one before. Not sure if they are all poor quality or not.

- Jiji
 
purplehays1

purplehays1

Well-Known Member
DrGribble said:
I have been running my (iPower, and actually quite impressed for the money) digital ballasts for a while now but at 110/120 and just installed a CAP MLC-4XT so I can run them all off my new 30amp 240v circuit. These are 120/240 ballasts and only came with a standard power cord but my CAP unit works with both styles of cords... my question is, when I plug these into a 240V source they will automatically adjust and work correctly right? I don't need to make any physical changes?

The documentation with them is extremely vague and does not touch on this point whatsoever, my CAP controller stresses strongly not to plug a 110/120v device into it as it will be instantly destroyed. I assume the ballast just 'knows' and works the same when plugged into either type of power source.

There is no voltage selection switch or anything of that sort... I might just plug one in and see what happens though unless someone chimes in who knows within next half hour or so... gracias!

Just wanted to be sure before I fry one :)
Click to expand...
u need a different power cord for 240 thats it
 
purplehays1

purplehays1

Well-Known Member
not to hijack the thread, but what us the advantage of running a light on 240 over 120? my 400w HPS is currently running on 120 but is able to be run on 240, is it worth buying the cable? why? Thanks
 
miccyj

miccyj

Well-Known Member
purplehays1 said:
not to hijack the thread, but what us the advantage of running a light on 240 over 120? my 400w HPS is currently running on 120 but is able to be run on 240, is it worth buying the cable? why? Thanks
Click to expand...
Do you have 240v available? Generally, the advantage is that the same ballast will run at lower amps with a higher voltage, thus allowing more devices to be run before overloading a circuit. There is no cost saving advantage.
 
purplehays1

purplehays1

Well-Known Member
miccyj said:
Do you have 240v available? Generally, the advantage is that the same ballast will run at lower amps with a higher voltage, thus allowing more devices to be run before overloading a circuit. There is no cost saving advantage.
Click to expand...
thanks, always wondered if there was a reason to buy and hook up 240, sounds like no point.
 
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