LEC Grow Lighting FAQS & SAQS; Straight Facts About CMH Grow Lights
What exactly is LEC Grow Lighting?
LEC grow lighting is a manufacturers acronym for Light Emitting Ceramic, as referring to a type of HID (high intensity discharge) lighting.
What is the difference between LEC Grow Lights and CMH grow lights?
There are no differences between LEC (light emitting ceramic) grow lights and CMH (ceramic metal halide) grow lights. They are simply two different acronyms that have been adopted to describe high intensity discharge ceramic metal halide lighting.
Are there any Key Points of Difference between, for example one 315watt CMH lighting system, and another brand of the same wattage—or are they all pretty much the same, like my household lamps?
Yes. There are several key points of difference given the same wattage in a CMH grow light system. Here is a partial list of some main areas you should consider when deciding on a CMH grow light system or lamps:
-Reflector Type; is it the “flashlight” vertical orientation style or the preferred horizontal spread?
Read More HERE on reflectors
-Lamp Surge Protection; a very important factor for safety and longevity, for example Summit Lighting SUM315 CMH ballasts have components that will prevent the possibility of lamps failing or rupturing due to a surge in power to the lamp.
-Lamp Quality; does the lamp use bi-pins to connect to the fixture/power source (preferred, higher quality) or is it the old “screw type” mogul socket connection
-Overall Build Quality & Certification; is the LEC grow light UL/CSA certified, and is it made of sturdy well put together components that have been field tested?
Basically, does your lighting supplier own an offshore factory trying to cash in on trends in the marketplace, or are they at the forefront of grow lighting development with a strong commitment to what they are selling?
Will CMH Grow Light Systems cause problems with radio and signal frequency interference like some digital HPS (high pressure sodium) grow lighting have been reported to do?
Click HERE for more on RFI Issues with Grow lighting.
While not all CMH Grow Light systems are created equal, Summit Lighting SUM315 ceramic metal halide grow lights operate at the frequencies specified for optimal lamp performance, which are low frequencies that will not cause problems with televisions, radios, phones, grow room controls, etc due to RFI (generated by high frequency and poorly shielded ballasts/lamp drivers)
Hey Wait a Sec! What IS an SAQ?
It is the type of question you SHOULD be asking, although it’s not necessarily asked Frequently!
Why do some types of CMH LEC grow light systems only operate at 208-240V or higher power supply inputs versus the more common 110/120V North American household power supply outlets?
To create the most efficient operating electrical current being supplied to power the lamp, 220/240V + power supplies are required. Remember, higher wattage lamps that use ballasts do so because they have very particular operating parameters with regards to how they are powered. These lamps aren’t typically engineered to run from a common household plug because the power is of a lower voltage—if they do, it’s usually a compromise for performance.
Our goal at Summit Lighting, Inc is to continue to bring the most innovative products to market that allow the professional agriculture community to produce higher yields while consuming less energy and using fewer nutrients and additives.
We do this by constantly trying to create an environment that is closest to what the sun produces naturally. This approach reduces the amount of stress placed on the plants and allows them a chance to grow as natural as possible in an artificial environment.