Lighting: PC ballast/socket & pin configurations

I've been shopping for a ballast for a retro PC install. I found a
couple good deals on Fulham Workhorse ballasts. In specific I'm
looking at the Workhorse 5 Long 120V/128W
(http://www.fulham.com/wh5.html).

One aquarium lighting site that lists this ballast specifies whether
each ballast is for square or straight pin sockets (it's not part of a
kit - bare ballast only.) However, the manufacturer's website and
other aquarium lighting sites don't seem to specify types of socket
for ballasts.

So, my question is this: can any PC ballast be wired to use either
type of socket? Or are the manufacturer and other websites leaving
out critical information???

The bulb I need only comes in square pin (well, for the price I can
afford, which is $15 cheaper than anywhere else.) But the other site
I mentioned said the ballast only does straight pin! grrr...

BTW, is reefgeek.com out of business or something? I can't get them
to answer an email from me to save my life... :/

Thanks!

Kristen

You can use either socket you like. And as you noted, they will only work for
one type of bulb.

Be sure to wire it correctly though.

Marc


Kristen wrote:

I've been shopping for a ballast for a retro PC install. I found a
couple good deals on Fulham Workhorse ballasts. In specific I'm
looking at the Workhorse 5 Long 120V/128W
(http://www.fulham.com/wh5.html).

One aquarium lighting site that lists this ballast specifies whether
each ballast is for square or straight pin sockets (it's not part of a
kit - bare ballast only.) However, the manufacturer's website and
other aquarium lighting sites don't seem to specify types of socket
for ballasts.

So, my question is this: can any PC ballast be wired to use either
type of socket? Or are the manufacturer and other websites leaving
out critical information???

The bulb I need only comes in square pin (well, for the price I can
afford, which is $15 cheaper than anywhere else.) But the other site
I mentioned said the ballast only does straight pin! grrr...

BTW, is reefgeek.com out of business or something? I can't get them
to answer an email from me to save my life... :/

Thanks!

Kristen

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com

I would consider getting the straight pin arrangement as their are fewer
choices (manufacturers) with the square pins. The ballast should fire either
socket as along as it is wired properly. I find it hard to believe that
there is a 15 dollar price difference per bulb, unless it is some kind of
close out.
Bruce
"Marc Levenson" wrote in message
...
You can use either socket you like. And as you noted, they will only work
for
one type of bulb.

Be sure to wire it correctly though.

Marc


Kristen wrote:

I've been shopping for a ballast for a retro PC install. I found a
couple good deals on Fulham Workhorse ballasts. In specific I'm
looking at the Workhorse 5 Long 120V/128W
(http://www.fulham.com/wh5.html).

One aquarium lighting site that lists this ballast specifies whether
each ballast is for square or straight pin sockets (it's not part of a
kit - bare ballast only.) However, the manufacturer's website and
other aquarium lighting sites don't seem to specify types of socket
for ballasts.

So, my question is this: can any PC ballast be wired to use either
type of socket? Or are the manufacturer and other websites leaving
out critical information???

The bulb I need only comes in square pin (well, for the price I can
afford, which is $15 cheaper than anywhere else.) But the other site
I mentioned said the ballast only does straight pin! grrr...

BTW, is reefgeek.com out of business or something? I can't get them
to answer an email from me to save my life... :/

Thanks!

Kristen

--
Personal Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com/oanda/index.html
Business Page: http://www.sparklingfloorservice.com
Marine Hobbyist: http://www.melevsreef.com