Changing Metal-Halide wattage?

[I.B. Washincars]

I have some 175W MH wall packs that aren't as bright as I would like them to be. They are virtually new with nice clear lenses so I don't think I can do anything to make them brighter in their current configuration. I already have 175, 320, and 400W lights and don't want to have to keep yet another bulb on hand. What I want to do is change the ballast to 320W. The Scottsdales that I now have are pulse start (whatever that means). Can I just replace the ballast in my lights with this kit and use the 320W pulse start bulbs?

http://www.1000bulbs.com/320-and-350-Watt-Pulse-Start-Ballast/234/

 

[MEP001]

They get hotter, so if the fixtures can handle it and the bulbs mount vertical/base up it should work. Pulse-start MH must mount V/BU.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

They are Lithonia wall packs and the bulbs lay on their side. So what I want to do won't work?

 

[MEP001]

You can change the bulbs and ballasts to 250W standard metal halides and get more light, but the pulse-start 320W won't operate horizontal.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Bummer, I was trying to keep from having to stock yet another bulb . Oh well, if this was easy everyone would be doing it.

 

[Jim H.]

This bulb might interest you. I am planning on trying one when a lose another ballast. As I understand it, you remove your ballast and wire the socket direct. The price that my local supply house gave me for a 400 watt bulb was 75.00.

http://www.maxlite.com/

 

[MEP001]

None of those bulbs or retrofits will give you anywhere near as much light as a 175W metal halide.

 

[Jim H.]

Thanks for the information.

 

[MEP001]

The price that my local supply house gave me for a 400 watt bulb was 75.00.

I missed that part before - you can still get Sylvania 400W MH bulbs at Home Depot for $20.

 

[Jim H.]

Thank you. You are a wealth of information. I understand now. This light bulb is clearly a bad idea.