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    HID's Avatar
    HID Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jul 18, 2009, 03:31 PM
    How Many Amps Does a Metal Halide Light Use?
    How Many Amps Does a Metal Halide Light Use?
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Jul 19, 2009, 03:10 AM
    Depends on the wattage rating of the lamp. Are you working with a particular size?
    HID's Avatar
    HID Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Jul 19, 2009, 04:41 AM

    Yes I am it's a 1000 watt lamp
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

    Jul 19, 2009, 05:03 AM
    I just noticed your name, HID. Interesting your asking questions about an HID lamp.

    OK, an HID lamp uses a ballast, which is a transformer, and this will have it's own losses.

    Off the top of my head, a particular ballast for a 1000 W MH lamp draws 80 watts, so the total is 1080 watts for one complete fixture with lamp and ballast combined.

    So with that, next you need to know the system voltage.

    Assuming 120 volts, and using Ohm's Law:
    Power =E (Volts) I (Amps)
    I=P/E
    I= 1080/120
    I= 9 Amps

    However, what I do is refer to the manufacturer's datasheet for the ballast I will be using for the chosen lamp. Here you will find the published input watts, operating line amps for the various available voltages, and, if applicable, the starting amps.


    Your question is somewhat general, and the correct answer may need to be specific.

    Any specific reason you ask the question?
    pt chua's Avatar
    pt chua Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #5

    May 29, 2012, 12:58 AM
    Hello! What is the Ampere for a 400 watt metal halide lamp ? Txs.

    Best regards,
    Pt
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #6

    May 29, 2012, 03:20 AM
    Like just the other reply in this old thread stated, it depends on the voltage it is used at.

    Everything you need to know is right above in post #4.
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