Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do our lamps have surge protection?

A: Yes, all products have surge protection. Most of our products have 6ka at the minimum. Extra surge can be found here

Q: What does the 5-year limited warranty cover?

A:Warranty

Q: Can a lamp be operated on 208V?

A: Yes, our lamps that are rated for 120-277V allow anything between those voltage ratings to work

Q: Can a lamp be running on 85V?

A: Yes, we have had a few customers that do this with our products and it works just fine. Since the product is designed to operate at 120-277V +/- 15% the lamp output might differ compared to standard voltage

Q: Why isn't my dimming system working with your lamps?

A: In general, our HID lamps do not work with dimmers. Our external driver models however are dimmable with a lighting controller capable of using 0-10V, resistive, or PWM dimming. The best way is to use a 0-10V dimmer, the Lutron PowPak and remote wall control is very reliable.

Q: I have a 347 V or 480 V system and want to use one of your products that isn't rated for that voltage, what can I do?

A: We offer most of our 8000 series HID lamps in 347V version, but this can only be sold in Canada. In instances where installation is 480V we offer a step-down transformer that can be installed at the fixture to reduce the voltage, these transformers drop the voltage to the fixture down to 277V or 240V. Step Down Transformer

Q: Metal Halide Pulse start vs. Probe start?

A: Our MHBC product can operate on either Probe or Pulse start ballasts. Probe start is the old style. Pulse start is the newer more efficient way that lasts longer. Probe start lamps should only be used with magnetic ballasts, and pulse start lamps should only be used with electronic ballasts.

Q: What is an Open Rated Socket? Also called a Protected Socket

A: A socket that requires an EX39 Base.

Q: Will our lamps work in a protected socket? 

A: No, you either need to buy a socket extender or replace the socket with an unprotected one.

Q: What orientation can our lamps be?  

A: The spec sheet will typically say what the orientation is on the little icons.Technical Documents

Q: What is different about our new –A models? The transition from the non – A to the –A? 

A: Some lamps have decreased wattages, but still replace the same HID wattage and in most instances higher than before. This is because some of the LED and LED drivers are more efficient, for example the LED-8030M was 150W and now the LED-8030M-A is 140W yet delivers higher lumens than before

- New -A Post Tops/Bollards/Other models: Potted Drivers, improved thermal management (stay cooler), integrated 6kA surge.

- New G4 Shoebox/High Bay models: Potted Drivers, improved thermal management (stay cooler), integrated 10kA surge.

Q: What PL's rotate? Explain omni-directional.

A: Omni Directional means that Lamp more fully imitates original PL/CFL lamp, it doesn’t radiate light just in one direction, it provides light in all directions.

Q: What is the difference between E39 and EX39 base?

A: A lamp equipped with an EX39 base has a longer tip at the screw base. It can operate with both standard E39 and Protected EX39 lamp holders. A lamp with a E39 base will only operate on a E39 lamp holder but will not operate on a EX39 lamp holder.

Q: How do you read the date codes on our lamps?

A: Before 2015: First 2 numbers = Year it was made. Last 2 numbers = The week it was made during that year. Example: 1432, made in 2014 during the 32nd week.

A: 2015 to current: First 2 numbers = Year it was made.Last 2 numbers = The month it was made. Letter at the end = The week it was made during that month (A = week 1, B = week 2, etc.) Example: 1512B, made in 2015, December, during the 2nd week.