User Guide

INSTRUCTIONS
www.Hydrofarm.com
2
The Xtrasun Variable Wa Ballast is created with state-
of-the-art microprocessor technology. The ballasts
extruded aluminum body and cooling ns allow it
stand up to tough condions. The Xtrasun operates
on a 120/208/240V, 50/60 Hz power supply and, for
highest eciency, should be used with the appropriate
waage lamp. These ballasts now feature the dual
lamp receptacle, as well as a metal support clip to keep
the lamp cord in place.
Supply power for the ballast is based on typical
120/208/240V, 50/60 Hz input. The Xtrasun Variable
Wa Ballast should be used with the appropriate
waage lamps to achieve the highest eciency,
safety, luminosity, and proper operaon.
WARNINGS
Use the Xtrasun Variable Watt Ballast indoors or in
greenhouses only. Position it in an area away from
excessive heat or contact with liquids.
This ballast does not rely on the luminaire
enclosure for protection against accidental contact
with live parts.
Use the Xtrasun Variable Watt Ballast with a
maximum lamp cord length of 30 feet.
Disconnect the ballast from the power supply
before performing any maintenance, lamp
changes, or other modifications.
Contact the place of purchase for service if the
ballast does not work after confirming that the
power connection, output connection, and lamp
are in working order.
Opening the ballast will void the warranty.
Lamps with auto-ignitors will not work with this
ballast, which is not for use with external ignitors.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Main VoltageRated input voltage range for the
ballast.
Operating Voltage Range – The acceptable
operating range for input voltage to the ballast.
Deviations from the rated numbers may result in
decreased ballast performance and additional case
generated heat.
Max Input Power – Maximum possible wattage
draw of the ballast.
Amperage – Input current or draw.
Power Factor – A measurement of how effectively
the ballast converts electrical current to useful
power output, in this case, output to the lamp.
Power factor is measured between 0-1; the closer
you get to 1, the more effective the circuit is said
to be. The Xtrasun’s power factor is greater than
.98.
Ignitor VoltageBallast output during ignition
sequence.
THD (Total Harmonic Distortion) – A
measurement of all harmonics present in a circuit.
The higher the number, the more stress is applied
to internal parts, the lamp, and the power grid.
Generally, a number below 10% is considered
desirable in an electronic ballast application.
CF (Crest Factor) – A measurement of how “clean”
the ballast power output wave is. A perfectly clean
output sine wave would have a CF of 1.414. Given
that some harmonics must exist in an electrical
system, the crest factor must always be higher
than 1.414. Therefore, the closer the ballast is to a
CF of 1.414, the easier it is on the lamp.
ta (Ambient Temperature) – Maximum rated
ambient temperature for the ballast area.
Excessive ambient temperature can result in
ballast failure, safety shutdown, or lamp failure.
tc (Case Temperature) – Maximum temperature
that the case of the ballast should reach. If the
case temperature exceeds this number, the
ballast may be malfunctioning or the ambient
temperature may exceed the rating.
NOTE: Always disconnect the Xtrasun Variable
Wa ballast’s power cord before moving the unit
or changing lamps.
INSTALLATION
For proper lamp break-in, we recommend that you run
the Xtrasun Variable Wa Ballast and lamp at 100%
power for at least 12 straight hours aer inial startup.
This will improve lamp life and performance.
1. Find a suitable locaon for the ballast with
sucient cooling and away from any heat source.
2. Install the lamp rmly into the lamp socket and
connect the Lock & Seal lamp cord to the ballast.
3. Turn the power knob to your preferred dimming
seng or lamp waage. Do not set to a higher
waage than your lamp is rated for. Please refer
to the detailed power seng informaon in the
Electrical Specicaons chart.
4. Remove the power cord from the box. Plug the
power cord into the power input panel on the side
of the ballast.
5. Plug the power cord into the power source
(electrical outlet).