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Adam Haycock
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Topic: HELP!! Safe MH ballast mounting Posted: January 07 2005 at 12:43pm |
I am adding another MH to my lighting setup. Here is where I mounted the 250watt HQI ballast. The only thing the ballast is touching is a ceramic tile which is is mounted on. I was planning on running all the wires into the metal electrical box behind it so all the connections are protected. So my question is...is this going to be safe the way I arranged it? Should the ballast be in a metal box or something? Thanks
Edited by BananaTropics
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Carl
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 1:05pm |
I would (IMHO) provide a bit more protection, but I try to er on the side of caution. Adding an extruded aluminum or other form of sheild with heat sink will help prevent any heat stress related discoloration of the wall behind, etc. Also, it would provide some protection from splashes and from burns that could easly be experiences if the ballast is touched. There pretty hot! But again, JMHO.
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In Syracuse "I believe that forgiving them is God's function. Our job is simply to arrange the meeting." - Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf
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Adam Haycock
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 2:02pm |
I looked at home depot for a metal box that would be big enough, but couldn't find anything. The ballast is about 5"x5". How are most people mounting these ballasts? And Jon, I don't have a spare computer case
Edited by BananaTropics
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jfinch
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 2:15pm |
And Jon, I don't have a spare computer case
That fact that I couldn't find a suitable box for cheap was why I stuck mine in a computer case.
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Adam Haycock
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 2:25pm |
Where it is now, it should't get splashed on and its in the back of the stand away from where I work. It is securely mounted and there is no risk of it going anywhere. What is the risk of having it where it is? Could it start a fire?
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j's55
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 5:17pm |
I have the same ballast. I put it on a brick and then built a case for it, the back and bottom were open. but mine is outside of the tank so I painted it. I don't think it will start a fire but they get really hot so I would put more insulation on the bottom but that is me.
Edited by j's55
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Josh Zorn 45G reef lots of tropical plants Cell it 910 3924
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bugzme
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 5:35pm |
As long as you have the tile under it it will be fine. there is no fire hazard if it is grounded properly.
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Jeff 125 tank 50 gallon sump T-5 lighting Rum drinker, Carbon User I KNOW ROCKS THAT ARE YOUNGER THEN ME!! I AM A Realist! I write what I think!!
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Aquarium Creations
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 5:41pm |
I have put ballast in the gray metal power box you can buy at a supply house im not sure if HD will carry that but i have done that before looks pretty good..
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j's55
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Posted: January 07 2005 at 10:28pm |
bugzme wrote:
As long as you have the tile under it it will be fine. there is no fire hazard if it is grounded properly. | Mine is the same one it is a magnetic 250W and it did not come grounded and still isnt am I
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Josh Zorn 45G reef lots of tropical plants Cell it 910 3924
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