Differences of Pulse Start VS Probe Start MH Lamps

[david540i]

I was doing some research on MH ballasts and found that some ballasts are Pulse start and some are Probe start.

What are the differences? I'm wanting HQI's, which one are these?

 

[gmax]

OK I am not going to do this justice but here is a start for you. Most bulbs available in the US have the ignitor built into the bulb. They only need a pulse start ballast. Some European bulbs dont have ignitors in the bulbs and must have a probe start ballast to ignite.

HQI is an entirely different story which someone else can tell.

 

[david540i]

Thanks!

Are 250W HQI's pulse or probe?

 

[disbjohn]

go with electronic ballasts and it can handle either.