BALLASTS

BALLAST IN CANNABIS GROWING: ENSURE THE RIGHT LIGHT FOR YOUR PLANTS

What are ballast in indoor growing and what are they used for?

Ballast are essential electrical devices used in indoor cannabis growing. Their main function is to regulate the amount of power supplied to grow lights, ensuring stable and efficient operation. Ballasts are responsible for switching on and maintaining the illumination of the bulbs, allowing the plants to receive the right amount of light during each stage of growth.

Importance of ballast in light transformation

Ballast are essential in cannabis cultivation, as they convert and stabilise the electrical current so that the lamps can function properly. Thanks to it’s dimming function, excess current that could damage the lamps is avoided and the quality and intensity of the light emitted is optimised. This is crucial to provide plants with the right lighting, which results in more vigorous growth and a more abundant yield of buds.

How many watts should my ballast be?

Ballast for cannabis cultivation can vary in terms of their wattage capacity. The most common ones usually have capacities of:

• 250 watts
• 400 watts
• 600 watts
• 1000 watts

These capacities are related to the wattage of the grow lamps they can reach. For example, a 400 watt ballast is typically used with a 400 watt lamp. Similarly, a 1000 watt ballast is suitable for a 1000 watt lamp.

It is important to choose a ballasts that is compatible with the wattage of the lamp you wish to use. A higher wattage ballast for a smaller lamp can cause problems such as malfunctioning of the lamp or unnecessary waste of energy. On the other hand, a lower wattage ballast for a high wattage lamp can negatively affect the performance and development of the plants.

Before purchasing a ballasts, we should know the wattage of the lamps we will use in our crop and select a ballast that is properly matched to that wattage. This will ensure optimum performance of the lights and a successful cannabis crop. For ease of use we recommend purchasing a complete lighting system.

All models of ballast available at themariashop

In cannabis growing, we can find different types of ballasts, each one with its specific characteristics and functions.

• Open and Closed ballasts: This distinction refers to the housing of the ballast. Open ballasts have an open housing and must be installed in a suitable area to avoid contact with electrical parts. Closed ballasts, on the other hand, have a sealed housing that protects the internal components from dust and moisture. They are safer and can be placed directly inside the growing area.
• Magnetic Ballasts: Also known as conventional ballasts, these are the oldest models. They use magnetic coils and cores to regulate the electric current to the grow lamps. Although they are inexpensive, they have disadvantages such as lower efficiency in dimming the light.
• Electronic Ballasts: These ballasts are a more modern and improved version compared to magnetic ballasts. They use electronic technology to regulate the electric current. They are more efficient, which means that they deliver more light with less energy loss. They are also lighter and generate less heat during operation. Some electronic models offer the option of dimming the light intensity, allowing greater control over the growing environment.

Find perfection with digital ballasts

• Digital Ballasts: These are an evolution of electronic ballasts. They use advanced digital components to regulate the electrical current and offer even more efficiency in delivering power to the lamps. They are very accurate and allow more precise control over light intensity. They are also generally quieter and produce less heat, making them a preferred choice for many growers.
• Ballasts with Power Dimming: Some digital ballasts offer a power dimming function, which allows you to adjust the amount of energy supplied to the lamps. This is useful to adapt the light intensity according to the growth stages of the plants or to reduce the energy consumption at certain times. In addition, they offer the option to switch to “superlumens”, increasing the power for a higher yield of flowers.

In short, ballasts are crucial components in indoor cannabis growing. They regulate the energy reaching the grow lamps, ensuring stable and efficient lighting for healthy growth and higher yields. Digital models offer additional advantages in terms of efficiency and control, while different types of ballasts (open and closed) provide options for placement and maintenance in the grow space.