Cable/cord Spec for an m81 150w hqi pendant

[sayn3ver]

Just curious. It's been a long long time since I've logged in here.

I remember vaguely of a 3-4ft maximum length between a magnetic m81 ballast and the lamp.

More importantly, I need to find or make a pendant cord.
I know the starting voltages of these can be 4000+ volts with miniscule amount of current.

Does anyone know what is the appropriate, safe insulation rating for the conductors?

The ballast I had ordered a long time ago (150w aqua medic reeflex) didn't come with anything. After I called the online retailer than sent me what looked like an old PC power supply cord (300v insulation on a 18/3).


I'm probably over thinking this. I know the 18awg is plenty for the ampacity needed. I feel 300v insulation is not adequate for starting voltage. Or is it such a short duration that any leakage is acceptable?

 

[tkeracer619]

It's fine to use 300v insulation. MH run on close to wall voltage.

I just use a high quality extension cord. Use a good cord and you can go much further than 4'. All of my ballasts have 10' cords on them.

 

[sayn3ver]

Yes I'm aware the ballast is tapped for a line voltage of 120v.

However the ballast during it's starting circuit will transform that 120v out of the wall and pulse 4000v to get the lamp to strike.


:deadhorse1:

 

[tkeracer619]

It isn't an issue. I've never seen any halide come with a 4000v cable

I've installed many HPS ballasts as well and all of them burst 2500-4000v. They all used 300v wiring. 150w MH act the same way. Most 250w halides don't.

 

[biglurr54]

I used 14 thhn wire. It's about 6 1/2 feet long. No shocks yet and the light works great. Have about 5 years on the ballast and wiring.

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