400 E-Ballast vs Tar...

[TSzetela]

After getting a $245 (not including the AC that is on separate interruptible service) electric bill today I again started to consider switching my 400(s)mh to an electronic ballast. The question is how much electricity does an electronic ballast save over a tar ballast? Some people say anywhere from 10% to 40 %. How long does it take to recover the additional cost in electric savings? What are the actual experiences of all you E-Ballast users?
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[PerryinCA]

Here's a link to Sanjays most recent (to my knowledge) report. According to his findings, the Blueline was a great choice for the 400w lamps both in output, and consumption. They are efficient, and see a slight increase in efficiency in most cases, as well as a lower wattage draw, BUT there was no mention of power factor which will effect electrical consumption. Its a nice ballast in the 400w range, but I don't think you'd see and extreme savings.

Here's the link for some reading:
http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/...omparison.html

-Perry

[TSzetela]

Thanks Perry,
It seems according to (The Reef master) Sanjay and Dave Morgan that the savings is minimal. Especially when I was considering this would be a replacement for a working ballast not a decision between the two for a new purchase. My savings would workout to be, using the formula from the article and my power cost, 5 cents per day! Not considering the time value of money, my recovery period would be about 8.77 years! I guess I just better remember to turn off the (household) lights when I leave the room!!:lol