this is an electrical question regarding metal helide globes?

Question

if I am using a ballast system that is suited for a 38v, 7.1A, 270Watt globe. I wish to use the same ballist system on another metal halide globe but the ratings are diffrent. What I need to know is will the globe explode or just just burn out faster, or if I'm lucky be a good match/replacement for the original? the specs for the globe I wish to use are as follows.

9-16v
3.2-20A
35Watts

if it's not going to work what is the easiest way of making the original balist work with the new globe?

Answer 1

Metal halide ballasts attempt to maintain constant power to the bulb.
If you attempt to use a 270W ballast on a bulb rated for 35W, you will certainly burn it out quickly and you might cause it to explode.
It will not be a good match, that's for certain.

There is no way of making the original ballast work unless you know how to reset its design operating point. Since the current and voltage of the new bulb are quite different from the original, it is unlikely that the ballast will have enough adjustment range to accommodate the new one.

Sounds like you are out of luck. Sorry.

PS. I assume you mean the current rating of the new one is "3.2 ~ 2.0 A", not 20A. 20 A does not make sense givne the power rating.

Answer 2

Don't know but I hope you get a nice crop!