wiring my mh ballast

[Ross]

I just got my mh ballast and have no idea how to wire it. It is a m59 400w. It has 2 yellow wires, 1 red, and 1 black. I have no idea what goes to what.

[kaiser]

There should be a diagram on the ballast itself.

[MikeP]

The socket probably has 3 wires correct? Like green, white and red - this is a mogul correct?

[matt]

There's a good DIY site that explains this. I can't remember exactly how to find it, but start with the DIY sections, not forum, but a list of links, at reefcentral and/or reefs.org. I'm pretty sure there's a site on one of those links that explains typical ballast wiring. You got to have more wires than that, right? Because you need 2 for the socket, one for ground, 2 more for A.C. supply. Maybe the ground is just a lug or terminal. Plus, although I'm not exactly sure on this, seemd to me I've seen most ballasts get wired to a big capacitor.

If you don't already have it, you can get nice 3 conductor heavy duty wire by the foot at Lowes; it looks just like the stuff that comes with the PFO socket/reflector.

[Ross]

Yes it has more than 3 wires, but my dad thought only 3 of them were used. It has a big capacitor.

[matt]

Maybe a dumb question, but have you check the hello lights site for a wiring diagram?

[Jeff Post]

I am not good enough to explain this without electrcuting you but you are welcome to bring it to my house and look at how mine is wired to get yours connected.