HPS & MH Ballasts
A high pressure sodium (HPS) ballast is used in conjunction with an HPS grow light. The ballast is responsible for igniting the gas in the tube, which creates the light. At this point, the ballast regulates this current, ensuring the charge does not exceed a safe level. Without a ballast, the light will burn to hot and pop.
Similar to an HPS ballast, the metal halide (MH) ballast operates a MH grow light. It has the same responsibility of regulating the current inside the gas charged tube, ensuring it doesn't burn too hot. The ballast helps ensure the life span of the grow light is as long as possible.
