MH question

[deepblue836]

Can I use a lower wattage metal halide bulb with a ballast rated for much higher wattage? And, what about bulbs that say they are to used in a vertical or horizontal position, what happens to them if they are used the opposite?

 

[michaelg]

no- for halide bulbs they need to be matched. Double ended bulbs need a specific ballast- either an electronic ballast or an "hqi" ballast. you get better coverage if the bulbs are in a horizontal position. There are pendants that place the bulb vertical, but personally I would opt for a vertical orientated fixture. I haven't seen bulbs that specify an orientation such as that to be honest.