Can I fire a 250W SE MH bulb with a 400W ballast?

[demifelix]

Does it fire? If it does, is it safe? Any effect on the output or the bulb life?

 

[patrick]

Absolutely not! Please do not do this as a fire may very well result. You also cannot fire it with a lower rated ballast. They must match wattage.

 

[rolo65]

Only if you want glass shards in your tank....

 

[lilrobb]

Yes you can, only once though...

 

[mockery]

No!

Question though, does the reverse work?

 

[lilrobb]

No,
Initial voltage needed to create the "spark" isn't there...

 

[demifelix]

thanks guys.

 

[schwaggs]

LilRobb;591772 wrote: Yes you can, only once though...

LOL, I was thinking the same thing!

 

[raisedonnintendo]

Is it the 4th of July already??

 

[demifelix]

I know this sounds like another silly question, but my ballast is marked 250W and I had been using it to fire 175W plusrite bulb for 6 months before I went up to 250W. That was why it prompted me to ask the question above. Anyone can explain this?

 

[raisedonnintendo]

Overdriven your bulb

 

[demifelix]

So if I can overdrive 175W bulb with 250W ballast, then why can't I overdrive 250W bulb with 400W ballast? I don't think I will do it, but I'm just curious.