A 315W ceramic metal halide ballast for CMH lamps
The ballast drives a 315W CMH lamp on a low-frequency square wave, the waveform Philips CDM bulbs need to hit their rated PAR output. It runs on variable 120 or 240V, drawing 343W with a power factor above 0.95 and THD under 15%. Prism tuned it to match Philips CDM lamp specs, so it is a lower-cost stand-in with the same core functionality. Growers mount it remotely, away from the canopy, so its heat is not adding to room load.
Protection and performance on the 315W CMH ballast
Five protections cover end-of-lamp-life, short circuit, open circuit, ignition failure, and thermal faults, and the whole unit is UL listed. It holds up across a wide ambient range, from -20 to 55 degrees C, up to 95% humidity, with a 5kV ignition voltage. It ships with a 240V power cord and a 3-year warranty. One note: it is a 315W CMH-only ballast, so it will not run HPS, standard MH, or other wattages.
Key Features
- 315W CMH Drive: Runs a single 315W ceramic metal halide lamp.
- Philips CDM-Tuned Square Wave: Low-frequency square wave matched to Philips CDM bulbs.
- Variable 120/240V: Runs on either voltage, 343W input, drawing 2.89A or 1.42A.
- High Power Factor: Power factor above 0.95 with THD under 15%.
- Five Protections: EOL, short circuit, open circuit, ignition failure, and thermal.
- UL Listed: Safety-tested for indoor grow use.
- Wide Operating Range: Runs from -20 to 55 degrees C and up to 95% humidity.
- 3-Year Warranty: Backed for three years, with a 240V cord included.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Wattage | 315W |
| Lamp Type | 315W CMH / CDM (Philips CDM-optimized) |
| Ballast Type | Low-frequency square wave |
| Rated Mains Voltage | 120-240V |
| Voltage Range (±10%) | 108-264V |
| Input Current | 2.89A (120V) / 1.42A (240V) |
| Input Power | 343W |
| Mains Frequency | 50/60 Hz |
| Operating Frequency | 140-220 kHz |
| Power Factor | ≥0.95 |
| THD | <15% |
| Crest Factor | <1.7 |
| Ignition Voltage | 5 kV |
| Max Case Temp | 75 degrees C (167 degrees F) |
| Ambient Temp Range | -20 to 55 degrees C |
| Max Humidity | 95% |
| Protections | EOL, short/open circuit, ignition failure, thermal |
| Certification | UL listed |
| Included | 240V power cord |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Dimensions | 8.46 x 7.01 x 3.64 in |
| Weight | 6.62 lb (3.0 kg) |