Tips on Installing a Metal Halide Fixture

Metal halide fixtures are often used as security lights in and around homes. There are other uses for these lights as well. Installing these lights can be difficult if you are not an experienced electrician.

How a Metal Halide Fixture Works

Metal halide lamps require electrical ballasts to regulate the arc current flow and deliver the proper voltage to the arc. A "cold" metal halide lamp cannot immediately begin producing its full light capacity because the temperature and pressure in the inner arc chamber require time to reach full operating levels. Starting the initial argon arc sometimes takes a few seconds, and the warm up period can be as long as five minutes. During this time the lamp exhibits different colors as the various metal halides vaporize in the arc chamber.

Installation

The first step when installing your light fixture will be to shut off all power going to the power source especially if you will be hard wiring the light (connecting directly to house current). If using a standard 110V plug this is not necessary.

Next, strip the wires on the ballast 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Do the same on the plug or house wires if they are not already exposed. At this point you will connect the wires according to color: black to black and white to white. The mogul (what the bulb is screwed into) is wired the same way.

Now, screw the wire nuts onto each of the wire connections and test the light. If the light functions replace any cover that might be applicable. Wrap each wire nut connection with electrical tape to help keep any moisture away from the connections.

Choose a Proper Place for Installation

When choosing a location for your metal halide light fixture, be sure to choose an area out of reach of children and items that are heat sensitive. This light will heat up to high temperatures and should always be installed either overhead on a pole if being used outside or from a high ceiling if being installed indoors.

Maintaining your Metal Halide Fixture

When fully lit, the Metal Halide lamp will reach a temperature of 2000 degrees Fahrenheit and operates at a vapor pressure between 70 and 90 pounds per square inch. Normal use of metal halide lighting requires that they are very rarely shut off.

One method of maintenance is to shut the lamps down once a week for fifteen minutes. This will allow the lamp to cool. If it is damaged or deteriorated, the lamp is less likely to re-light.