Ballast enclosures

[2012junkie]

I have a few ballast kits that I'd like to put to good use but I'm not sure what kind of enclosure I should buy or even where to buy some. Does anyone know anywhere to buy ballast enclosures so I can put em to use? Would a regular electrical box work or is there something special I should be looking for?

 

[T.H.Cammo]

Use whatever works! Your main considerations (aside from looks) are:
1. Protection from water and dirt (dust).
2. Ability to transfer and endure some amount of heat.
3. Sturdiness (you'd be surprised how they can get "banged around").

My favorite enclosure for something like this is an "Ammo Can", from an Army-Navy Surplus Store. They come in all sizes, just punch some holes in it so the warm air can get out.

 

[2012junkie]

Thats what I had in mind too but I wasn't sure if there was a somewhat cheap enclosure out there specifically for ballasts. But right on, appreciate it.

 

[growman09]

a metel tool box works great

 

[growman09]

what part of co you from we have a good thread on here co med growers unite

 

[sid]

why have one .. run cooler without it

 

[IAm5toned]

why have one .. run cooler without it

he has an excellent point, its what i do. keeping your ballast cool greatly extends the life of the product.

however having exposed parts is sometimes not an option when space concerns and safety issues become a priority over function.

the best solution for this is to get a metal electrical junction box (like a 12" x 12") and mount the ballast components to the inside. you will need to drill holes for ventilitation. also make sure the box is grounded... some magnetic ballasts will not function properly if they are not grounded, and they get there ground from being screwed to a grounded object (like the light fixture it originally came with or was designed to go into)

dont use plastic/pvc or wooden boxes, the ballasts are to heavy and will rip the screws out you use to mount them to the plastic box with, and wooden boxes trap heat and become dried out and brittle and will fall apart from the harmonic resonance (fancy word for vibration) the ballast creates when it is running.

 

[2012junkie]

what part of co you from we have a good thread on here co med growers unite

I'm in the southern part of the state (719). Where are you at? Do you mind sending me the link to the co growers unite? Thats something I'd like to be apart of.

 

[2012junkie]

I'd never use plastic or wood to house something electrical. Thats just asking for a fire. Especially because the ballasts heat up. I'd like to mount the ballasts onto something metal and leave them open to the air so they do last longer but I'm trying to keep safety in mind first. So I'd like to enclose them and put a handle on the box so I can move them around if I have to while they're hot. I was thinking of either picking up some 50 cal ammo boxes or hittin Home Depot up and picking up a couple 8x8x6 electrical boxes. I think that size should be pleanty big. ANOTHER THING......how can I view the pics people post and be able to navigate through the classified section? I try to go in both places and it tells me I don't have the rights to. SO, how do I get the rights/privilege to do so?