Be it a grow room or greenhouse or large construction site, the digital ballasts will provide effective lighting by regulating the voltage received by the high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp/bulb. A high-quality power supply is essential to run high-power lights like high-pressure sodium (HPS), metal halide (MH), DE, and other high-intensity lamps. Plugging these lamps directly into the electric wall socket might get damaged due to voltage fluctuations, instead use digital ballasts to shield the lighting system and protect the bulb. With its integrated microprocessor, small frequency inductors, and switching electronics, the digital ballasts will monitor, detect and adjust the input and output voltages and current required to illuminate the bulb or lamp. Thus, it makes them efficient to operate, runs cooler, and needs less power compared to other types of ballasts (electric or magnetic). Digital ballasts are available in several models which differ in terms of power rating, bulb types, and other factors. We suggest you consider the following key factors to choose the best digital ballasts that is suitable for your requirement.
Power Rating – Wattage will ensure that the bulbs you want to choose should be compatible with the ballasts. For instance, don’t use a 400-watt ballast for 1000-watt metal halide bulbs, why because it won’t provide sufficient power to lighten up the bulb. So, we suggest you choose the ballast having the same power rating as the bulb for safe and effective lighting. Operating Range – Most digital ballasts run with an operating range of voltage (100 – 240V) and frequency (50 – 60 Hz). Yet a few models include power cords rated only for 120V. Before plugging into the socket, ensure that the cable will properly fit the right voltage. Dimmability – Higher-end digital ballasts offer sufficient dimming capabilities, yet cheaper models won’t, which acts as a major difference. This feature will let you quickly change the light intensity that provides the exact level of lighting.
Apart from these three factors, there is a lot more to know about these digital ballasts, which we explained in our detailed “Buying Guide”. Using the same information, we have enlisted some Best Digital Ballasts. Keep on reading to know how to select the best option that suits your requirements.
8 Best Digital Ballasts in 2023
Best Digital Ballasts in 2023: Reviews
1. iPower GLBLST 1000 Watts Digital Ballast
iPower makes all kinds of power tools and accessories that are generally ideal for heavy-duty usage, including its digital ballast model stated here in this list. The iPower GLBLST1000D Horticulture digital ballast comes at the 1st position of this list since it can be a great high-performance option for many users. Just per the model name, this happens to be a high power 1000 watt digital ballast. You can even lower this power output with adjustment levels of 50%, 75%, and 100% that can be easily adjusted if you want. You will be glad to know that this digital ballast includes a pretty long power cord of 8 feet length for high versatility. This power cord can work between 100 volts to 265 volts with ease for using with either HPS or MH light bulbs. To ensure this digital ballast stays functional at all times, there is also an inbuilt cooling fan along with its 2-year warranty for your peace of mind. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 8 feet Compatible Voltage 100/265V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
Great for heavy-duty usage Inbuilt fan for proper cooling Adjustable power levels with a knob
Cons:
A bit on the bulky side in size
2. VIVOSUN 1000 Watts Dimmable Digital Ballast
You can also consider Vivosun and its offerings if you are looking for something that can be easily used with high power bulbs and includes handy features for high versatility. Vivosun’s digital ballast comes at the 2nd position of this listicle as it most likely offers the best value for money to its users. Starting with its wattage rating, it happens to be a 1000 watt digital ballast on par with most other high-end models. This digital ballast comes with 4 different power levels, which are rated at 600 watts, 750 watts, 1000 watts, and even 1100 watts for high-intensity light output if needed. With its provided 8 feet power cord, you can use this digital ballast with either MH or HPS bulbs with ease. Although, it lacks the support for DE lamps which might be important for some users. Because this digital ballast supports both 120 volt and 240-volt current, it can be used in most regions with ease. Talking about the included warranty, it is rated at 3 years, which is much more than what most other digital ballasts offer. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 8 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 3 year long warranty period
Pros:
Excellent power adjustment levels Works with both 120 and 240-volt currents Inbuilt short circuit and ignition failure protection
Cons:
Lacks the support for DE lamps
3. TOPHORT 1000 Watts Dimmable Digital Ballast
Tophort and its digital ballast can be another viable option to consider if you are going to use high wattage lamps and bulbs with your digital ballast unit for industrial usage. This Tophort Dimmable digital ballast comes at the 3rd position of this article because it is one of the best performing options out there. To allow you to use any high-performance lamp of your choice, Tophort offers a pretty high wattage rating of 1000 watts with it. And a great thing about this wattage rating is that it can be adjusted to 50%, 75%, 100%, and a super mode for even higher power output. As seen with other digital ballasts made for heavy-duty usage, this Tophort one also offers a decently long 8 feet power cord. With this, you can use it with either 120 volt or 240-volt electricity as per your needs. A great thing about this digital ballast is that it is UL certified, making it highly safe to use in most cases. Being a premium digital ballast, its included 2-year long warranty is also to be expected. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 8 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
UL certified digital ballast for safety Versatile digital ballast with support for MH and HPS bulbs Comes with an IP65 water-resistant design
Cons:
Slightly on the expensive side
4. Phantom PHB2010 II 1000 Watts Digital Ballast
Phantom is a highly premium and expensive brand when you compare it with other digital ballasts, and their brands stated here in this listicle which also makes a few power digital ballasts. The Phantom PHB2010 II digital ballast is one of the most expensive models available out there. And as you would expect from its given price tag, this 32 MHz microprocessor digital ballast is also rated for a maximum power output of up to 1000 watts. Thanks to its microprocessor, the power level can be adjusted between 60%, 75%, 100%, and super boost for various brightness output levels from your lamp. Being a high-end digital ballast, you would expect to have its included 8 feet long power cord included in the box for ease of use and versatility. Unlike most other high power digital ballasts, this one is completely silent as it does not have a cooling fan which might justify its premium price tag for some buyers. Speaking of the premium price tag, this high-end digital ballast also comes with a 2-year long warranty for decent reliability. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 8 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
Fully silent digital ballast without any cooling fan Multiple brightness adjustment levels High performance 32 MHz microprocessor for power supply
Cons:
Highly expensive digital ballast
5. Quantum 1000 Watts Digital Ballast
In case you do not have any budget restrictions, then you can also consider Quantum and its digital ballast stated here since this is a high-end model which can be ideal for industrial usage in many cases. Quantum’s Dimmable digital ballast is yet another model that goes great along with high power and high output lamps. Just as you would guess, this digital ballast is also rated for a power output of up to 1000 outputs. But if you want a lower output, then you can use its adjustable power levels of 50%, 75%, and 100% via the dial present on its back. On the back of this ballast, you will also find a cooling fan for optimum temperatures required to use this digital ballast with MH or HPS bulbs as per your needs. Unfortunately, this Quantum digital ballast does not mention any power cord length rating, which might be an issue for some buyers. Moving over to the included warranty, Quantum also includes a 2-year long warranty with its digital ballast, which is on par with most others. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
Works with 120 and 240-volt current with 208-volt support Ideal for MH and HPS bulbs Easy to adjust power and brightness levels
Cons:
Not a value for money digital ballast
6. Yescom 600 watts Electronic Dimmable Digital Ballast
Yescom is one of the smallest brands out there when you are talking about digital ballasts as most of its models including the one stated here, are highly affordable and great for buyers on a budget. This Yescom Dimmable Grow Light digital ballast is the cheapest option stated here, making it the perfect choice for buyers on a tight budget. Since it is an affordable digital ballast model, its given wattage rating of 600 watts is to be expected. Although, unlike what you would expect from a budget option, it still offers 4 adjustable power levels of 250 watts, 400 watts, 600 watts, and even a super output mode for high light output from your lamps. Thanks to its high-performance cooling fan and aluminum body, you can expect excellent performance without any thermal issues at all of these adjustable power levels. Unfortunately, being an entry-level digital ballast, it only offers a 4 feet long power cord which can be very limited for many users. Another issue with this digital ballast is that it only offers a 3-month long warranty which is quite common among affordable models. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 600 watts Includes a power cord length of 4 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 3 month long warranty period
Pros:
Affordable and entry-level digital ballast Great cooling solution to prevent thermal issues Multiple power levels for high versatility
Cons:
Limited power cord length rating
7. Master Green 902519 1000 watts Digital Ballast
Master Green is another fairly new brand of digital ballasts that you can still consider if you want something that can be used for heavy-duty applications and high-performance lamp models. The Master Green 902519 Grow Light digital ballast offers high-performance numbers for most users. Taking a look at its wattage rating, this is also a 1000 watt digital ballast for easily powering most lamps. But unlike other 1000 watt digital ballasts, this one uses a 105 KHz microprocessor which allows it to offer multiple power levels like 60%, 70% 100%, and supercharge. While it might not be the longest, its power cord length of 6.5 feet is still quite decent for most users. Another great thing about this digital ballast is that you get a high-quality cooling fan and an aluminum housing for controlled temperatures at all times. As you have seen with most other high-performance digital ballasts, this one also features a decent 2-year long warranty for peace of mind. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 6.5 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection Comes with a 2 year long warranty period
Pros:
High-performance digital ballast Great cooling performance at all times Works with 120 and 240-volt power
Cons:
Price can be a bit high for some users
8. Galaxy 902680 1000 watts Digital Ballast
Coming to the final digital ballast model in this listicle, we have an offering from Galaxy Audio which is quite a premium model and ideal for most heavy-duty uses. Galaxy Audio’s 902680 digital ballast is one of the most versatile models available out there. This is due to the reason that this high-end digital ballast supports HPS, MH, and even DE types of lamps. Even if you are using high power lamp models, you can easily power them with its 1000 watt power output. If you wish, this power can also be adjusted between 50%, 75%, 100%, and 110% power levels as per your need. Taking a look at the power cord of this digital ballast, it is a decent 6 feet long one. Similar to many other digital ballasts, this one also features a cooling fan and an aluminum housing for proper cooling. Unfortunately, despite its highly premium price tag, Galaxy Audio does not include any warranty with its digital ballast. Best Features:
Offers a wattage rating of 1000 watts Includes a power cord length of 6 feet Compatible Voltage 120/240V Overheat Protection Short Circuit Protection
Pros:
High-end performance numbers Multiple adjustable power levels for versatility Works with a wide range of lamp types
Cons:
Does not offer any warranty
How to Choose the Best Digital Ballasts:
A digital ballast will illuminate the space effectively without damaging the bulbs due to voltage fluctuations. As a buyer and user, you have to know some decision-making key factors of these handy ballasts for their proper selection. Let’s get into the details of what factors to consider while shopping for digital ballast.
1. Power Rating:
Wattage is the main factor that confirms whether the bulbs you want to use are compatible with ballast or not. For instance, if having 1000-watt metal halide (MH) bulbs, then you should not use a 400-watt ballast, why because it won’t offer sufficient power to efficiently use the bulb and thereby won’t light up the bulb. Alternatively, you can use a 600-watt bulb on a 1000-watt dimmable ballast, yet ensure that its setting should be at 50% power or less. If not, it might risk blowing the bulb. Hence, we recommend you choose the ballasts and your bulb with the same power rating. Thus, it assures safe and effective working. Since it all depends on the wattage, you have to check the wattage of the ballast before buying them.
2. Operating Range:
Generally, most of these digital ballasts operate with 100V – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz frequencies. A few brands have included power cords that rate only for 120V. So, ensure that the cable you use will fit the correct voltage before you plug the ballast in the socket. Moreover, if the voltage you use is not suitable, then the power cord easily gets warm/hot.
3. Single-Ended Vs. Dual-Ended Bulbs:
Another compatibility issue of ballasts is to check whether it is suitable for single-ended (SE) and dual-ended (DE) bulbs. SE bulbs come with only one/single end that screws into a socket base. Alike traditional fluorescent lamps, DE bulbs let you connect to fixtures on both/dual ends. Some manufacturers designed their ballast products to be compatible with both SE & DE, yet several cater only to either one design. You have to determine initially about your current fixtures or the one you plan to buy before making its choice. If you are not using a proper ballast, a DE bulb will not run effectively and may burn out easily. Finally, it’s your preference to choose either option that suits your requirements.
4. High-Pressure Sodium (HPS) Vs. Metal Halide Bulbs (MH):
Almost all the modern ballasts are compatible with both MH and HPS bulbs. While some older models don’t work with both types or need a switch to convert either type. We suggest you carefully read the product description to know whether it works for both bulbs or only a specific type before making its purchase.
5. Dimmability:
Adequate dimming capabilities are not offered by cheap ballast models, yet higher-end or premium models offer and set them apart. This dimming feature lets you quickly change the intensity of the light and deliver the exact level of lighting required for the plants without wasting electricity.
6. Power Boost:
Boost setting is quite common in most digital ballasts that increase the wattage at which they run. For instance, if running a ballast at 600 watts, then this boost feature will let you run at 5% or 10% higher than 600 watts. Thus, this handy feature allows you to squeeze a little more light from the fading bulb, especially helpful when a bulb came to the end of its lifespan.
7. Supported Bulb Types:
Another way to ensure that your digital ballast can power your lamps and bulbs is to check the supported lamp or bulb type. So, check the list of supported lamp types stated with the digital ballast model. Usually, they include lamp models such as DE, HPS, MH, and others. Choose a digital ballast that supports powering up multiple types of such lamps that are considered versatile.
8. Shielding:
Usually, digital ballasts create a little bit of interference with radio signals, in which the interference will extend to a few hundred feet from the ballast. However, RF shielding in some high-quality digital ballasts will reduce this problem and aid in the proper functioning of the digital ballasts.
9. Heat Generation:
Choose the bulb and digital ballast in such a way that they should generate the lighting required for the proper growth of the plants. Yet remember that they won’t produce excessive heat to harm the plants. To get rid of this excessive heat generation issue, you have to go with higher-end digital ballast models that run cooler compared to the cheaper models, which use a fan.
10. Supported Voltage:
The digital ballast should power all kinds of lamps and bulbs, in which the lamp you want to use should be fully compatible with the digital ballast. For this, you have to ensure the supported voltage of the ballast. While purchasing high-power lamps, you will find both 120-volt and 240-volt lamps based on these respective voltage currents for their power requirements. Thankfully, a wide range of digital ballast models supports both 120-V and 240V currents that making it highly versatile.
11. Bulb Protection:
It is a must for a digital ballast to protect the bulb after its proper fixing. If not, the bulb will burst or burn out immediately after you plug the unit into the outlet. Digital ballasts feature ignition voltage control, an in-built voltage control that helps regulate the voltage sent to the bulb for its proper illumination. Therefore, it protects the bulb from unwanted fluctuations that increase the bulb’s life.
12. Bulb Brand:
Even though it is a rare case that some digital ballasts don’t work with a specific brand. Before buying the digital ballast, you have to read its labels to know the manufacturer indicated whether their model will or won’t support/work with a specific bulb brand. Or you can directly call their customer service for further confirmation and clarification.
13. Certifications:
Digital ballast is a high-energy device that must handle the required voltages and amperes to power your lighting. However, the extended operating times might reach up to 18 – 24 hours per day, which further results in heat build-up. So, the insulation and the components of the ballast have to sustain this heat or high-temperature levels caused by its workload. Both private and government sectors run regulating and certification bodies to confirm that these devices are up to the mark/specification. We suggest you seek out markings like UL, RoHS, and CE before buying them, as it denotes that the device obeys and is made to these standards and is completely safe to use.
14. Customer Service:
After-sales service is quite as crucial as selecting the correct option, why because it is the manufacturer or brand’s trustworthiness and considerate towards their customers to help for proper usage of their product (operating or technical issues). So, we suggest you go with the product having outstanding customer service. Mostly, the device gets a problem due to some manufacturing defects. Also, we are unaware of these things. So, the company or manufacturer will help us to easily and quickly fix these issues, which would be done only through proper customer service.
15. Price:
Based on several features like wattage, voltage rating, or warranty, the price range of digital ballasts will vary a lot. One can find models with 400 – 600 watts of power within the price range of $100. Within this range, you will get only ballast, yet need to purchase some components as bulbs separately. While some expensive digital ballast with up to 1000 watts of power will cost $100 – $300. Within this price range, you will receive a set of ballast along with several features that are quite helpful for the proper operating of the ballasts. However, professionals require high-end digital ballasts with extra power and features that cost several hundred dollars (like more than $1000), in which you have to choose the model based on the size of the area you need to illuminate.
16. Warranty:
Since a digital ballast is made for voltage regulation and preventing any fluctuations, you have to check the warranty on the product to ensure that your lamp keeps functional without any damage or issues over time. For the same, it is always a great idea to go for a reliable digital ballast that is made for long-term usage. Most digital ballasts come with either a 2-year or a 3-year long warranty, in which the longer the warranty, the longer the user has peace of mind.
Benefits of Digital Ballasts:
Here are some benefits of digital ballasts that you should know before you buy them.
Digital ballasts are lighter, smaller, and energy-efficient compared to magnetic ballasts that save you 3 – 5% per month. Even though it won’t sound like much, using multiple ballasts for a long period will definitely save a lot of substantial costs. The vibration produced by the interior coils of magnetic ballasts creates a humming sound, and it gets louder and weird over time with the age of the ballast. On the other hand, digital ballasts consist of non-moving parts like inductor, switches, and capacitors. All you need to consider about a built-in fan (if your model has one). Digital ballasts offer control and consistency of light output with the presence of their inside microchips. It let you control and regulate the incoming voltage to certain levels, which is required your bulb to illuminate properly. Also, use the onboard system to set the brightness of the bulb by reducing the output voltage at specific levels. They last longer compared to other ballasts. The lifespan of magnetic ballast is 2 – 3 years, whereas, digital ballasts last longer than 10 years. Though the magnetic ballasts are less expensive, yet you can get more efficient operation with a digital ballast, which saves a lot of money in the longer run.
Conclusion
In case you are not familiar with a digital ballast, it is more or less a high end power supply made for using along with high power lamps and bulbs. Not only does it offer high wattage output, but it offers while ensuring voltage stability and getting rid of any fluctuations for extra safety. Hence, a few of the best digital ballast have been stated above. These digital ballasts also have their major factors and specifications listed alongside a fully explained buying guide. Even though such information should allow you to easily pick the best digital ballast for your needs and requirements, you can simply go with one of our favorite picks regarding the best digital ballasts if you are still confused:
When it comes to heavy-duty usage, the Vivosun digital ballast is most likely going to be the best option for you. It offers a very high 1000 watt power output which is dimmable at up to 600 watts if needed. Another great thing about this 120 and 240-volt digital ballast is that it comes with a long 8 feet power cord. This digital ballast also includes a 3-year long warranty for your peace of mind. Those of you who are on a tight budget can go with the Yescom digital ballast. Being the cheapest option stated above, its given wattage output of 600 watts which is dimmable to as low as 250 watts is to be expected. Unfortunately, its power cord is only 4 feet long, which can be quite frustrating for many buyers. You can also consider the iPower GLBST1000D digital ballast if you wish to go with a high-performance model. With this 1000 watt digital ballast, you get multiple dimmable options like 50%, 75%, and 100% for high versatility. Similar to other high end digital ballast, you also get a 8 feet power cord with this one. Its 2 year warranty is also to be expected from a heavy duty ballast made for long term usage.
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