How long is the lifespan of a metal halide ballast?

[grayfis1]

How long is the lifespan of a metal halide ballast?

 

[snslarison]

Electronic- 3-5 years
Magnetic- 10+ years

 

[gcarroll]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7690197#post7690197 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by snslarison
Electronic- 3-5 years
Magnetic- 10+ years

Where did you get that info? Didn't the electronic ballast makers tell us that they would last longer than magnetic ballasts because of lower operating temps.

 

[Reefrus2003]

I have had 2-175w magnetics for about 8 or 9 years now and still going strong.

 

[jelwyoming]

As long as they are not subjected to power surges/sags, they should last for many years. 10+. Alot brown outs, lightening surges will shorten their life like most other electronic devices. There is nothing to wear out, otherwise.

 

[psidriven]

I spoke to Advance and was told to expect 5years (think it was 50,000 hours) for magnetic 175w mh ballast. Guess that's 5 years if used 24 hours and 10 if 12 hour.

 

[orlenz]

I guess it depends on many factors, personaly I have not had an electronic MH ballast make it to the 4 year mark without dying.
maybe the newer versions will last longer, time will tell.

the company I work for deals in electrical signs and parking lot lighting, it is not uncommon to find magnetic MH ballast still working fine that are 10+ years old.

 

[jelwyoming]

It may help extend the life of a electronic ballast by putting it on a surge arrestor.