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ajamel08
29-09-2007, 06:11 AM
This thread does not seem to be popular despite its potential benefits to forummers. I will try to enliven this thread a bit and hope that other DIY enthusiast can help enliven this very productive inclinations.

But before that, some caveats: DIY esp. those involving 240 volt mains current can be very dangerous and lethal. Please ensure to switch off all components before attempting to touch or open the equipment you are reparing/modifying.

Have a test pen ready all the time and use the test pen to check exposed wires/ metal parts for current flow before touching any of them!

I have just discovered the differences between light bulbs and what a variety they comprised and the varied economical life they each can give. So knowing them intimately would help you save a lot on electricity bills.

My first input would have to be on metal halide light bulbs since last week, I had the experience of replacing my security spot light behind my home. My first lesson: these light bulbs are definitely the longest lasting light bulbs I have ever come across. That was the first change I had to make in almost 5 years!

Uses: mostly outdoors (spot lights), continuous cycle (mine was on for 10 hours per day). high wattage (mine 500 watts normal incandescent light bulb equivalent light output- actual current consumption is equivalent to a normal 70 watts light bulb).

(to be continued)

ajamel08
30-09-2007, 11:46 PM
There are three components to a metal halide lamp set-up.
1.Ballast
2.Igniter
3.The Metal Halide Bulb itself.

All these are encased in a casing which together make a spot light set to be placed at strategic places in your compound. In my case, I connected the spot light to a timer and set the timing to be switched on and off at appointed times of the night.

The most important consideration is that the ballast and the bulb must be of similar matching rating, otherwise either your metal halide bulb or your ballast will fail very quickly thus defeating the economic consideration for metal halide lamp set up.
(eg. A 70 watts bulb must be accompanied by a 70watts ballast.)

Properly matched, the bulbs will last, in my case, as I mentioned, 5 years!