What Happens If...

I have the MH light pictured, which was a gift some years ago from a friend. The ballast is integrated into the base of the light and I have no idea as to the wattage and the spectrum of the bulb...so I was wondering if I buy a bulb that is higher than the potential wattage of the light would the bulb work or not?

I understand that if I get a bulb that is too low in wattage for the output, im guessing that the bulb would blow due to being overpowered.

What are everyones thoughts. Everyones expertise would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Somewhere on there it says the wattage, either on the bulb or the ballast. The ballast may only say the amps, but you can use that to find the watts. I can not get the pics big enough to read the ballast well, but i am sure if you read all of it you could figure out wattage or amps.
You do really need to get the right size bulb though, wouldn't be good for anything to be running the wrong size bulb.

ok will open it up and take a look. will report back later.

Pretty sure your 2nd picture indicates its a 250w. If you read the top line it says 250 son 53398/T
I'm pretty sure thats referring to 250w Son T Agro model #53398

so does that mean that it is a hps not a mh?

http://www.lightbulbs-direct.com/category/393/tubular-sodium/?&w=250-250&v=&c=Any&f=&cat=393&page=1&sort=asc&field=price&history=

If I were to guess, I'd say its an HPS judging by the color of the light. MH tend to have an orange color to the light they emit. If you could post a better picture of the image in your 2nd pic in your original post we might be able to determine for 100% which it is.

Based on the fact this not only has a cap but also an ignitor, i would believe it is hps not mh. Like Ex said, if you can get us a better pic of #2 we can probably help to identify it.

if i got the numbers right from pic 2 its a 250 watt hps

opened it up again and you where all correct with the 250w and ex was spot on with

Pretty sure your 2nd picture indicates its a 250w. If you read the top line it says 250 son 53398/T
I'm pretty sure thats referring to 250w Son T Agro model #53398

Click to expand...

Thanks very much all.

I found very light markings on the bulb saying osram 400w so the bulb that was given to me with the light was incorrect so I will purchase the correct wattage one shortly.