How to Wire a Metal Halide Lamps

Metal halide lamps are among the members of the high intensity discharge (HID) family of lamps. Most of these lamps are known for operating under high pressure and temperature. Mercury-vapor lights and sodium lights are some of the metal halide lamps commonly used. These lights are identified as the yellow glow of street lamps. These high-intensity discharge lights come with an in-built transformer that provides a multiple voltage connection. Such single transformers with multiple connections are wired by following the steps given below.

Step 1: Getting Started

The power to the circuit where the light has to be installed is switched off before wiring. The voltage can be 480 volts alternating current, 240 VAC or 277 VAC. The procedure to hang the light fixtures will be provided by the manufacturer in the instructions book. Fixtures can be of different types, each one having their own method of hanging them from the ceiling.

Step 2: Selecting the Wires

Using the Philips screwdriver, the cover of the wire connector make up box is removed. Keep the small screws in a secure place so that it does not get misplaced. The transformer tap wires are pulled out from the connector make up box. The wire will be marked with small prints that specify the voltage. Sometimes the 277 VAC wires will already be stripped and prepared to connect. The most common voltage for HID lighting is the 277 VAC.

Step 3: Stripping the Wires

Use a wire stripper to strip back the insulated part of the wire. Stripping must be done until the bare copper wire is exposed. The wire identified as the voltage wire must not be stripped back currently.

Step 4: Making the Connections

The wires are that are stripped are connected together. This is done by twisting the copper ends of the wires together using the wire pliers. The connection must be covered with a wire nut in an order. The white power-feed wire must be connected to the light fixture wire that is labeled as common and green power feed wire to the fixture green wire of the fixture.

Step 5: Identifying the Source

The power feed voltage source that will supply energy to the light fixture must be identified. The black wire should be connected using the same method suggested in step 4, if the voltage source is 277 VAC. The make up cover of the box is replaced. Now, the fixture is ready. Go to the next step if a different voltage source is provided.

Step 6: Insulating the Wires

The exposed end of the 277 VAC wire is insulated using a wire nut. This is done to protect the light fixture from short circuit and surges. The right transformer tap wire must be chosen for the electrical feed voltage.

Step 7: Final Adjustments

Follow the instructions given in step 3 and strip back the insulation of the tap wires again. Twist the black power feed wires together using the wire pliers. The connection is insulated with a wire nut. Finally replace the make up box cover. Your metal halide lamp is ready to glow.