How to do 1500W metal halide to LED conversion?
This guide will help you convert your 1500 watt HID setup to LED. In detail, you will read about the most crucial factors first. That is, the lumen output for optimal conversion and how to choose a replacement or a retrofit.
I will expand briefly on the importance of the MH ballast removal. Once you know more about equivalent LED lights, I will share some practical applications. Plus, the pros and cons to give you an idea of why you might need to replace your metal halide bulb as soon as possible. Or plan the conversion for a more convenient time.
1. How many lumens is a 1500 watt metal halide?
First of all, it is worth brushing up on the definition of the lumen. The lumen measures light intensity. Also known as the luminous flux or brightness. Technically, the lumen gives you the total amount of radiation emitted per unit of time by a primary or secondary light source. Different lumen values express a varying quality of light in comparison to the human eye spectral sensitivity. The symbol of this unit of measurement is lm.
Understanding the original lumen of 1500 watts metal halide is vital. Mainly because you need to find the equivalent wattage of LED lights to produce the same lumen output.
Commonly, most HID bulbs have the lumen output written on the screw base or the sealed glass. Alternatively, you should read the MH model name and look it up on the manufacturer’s website or catalog.
2. Converting the wattage of LED lights to replace 1500W MH
You might search for a single LED light with an equivalent lumen output. Or do some math to find an alternative solution that involves more LED lights.
The latter conversion is simple. In fact, it is nothing more than a simple division of the lumen output by the wattage. We already know the wattage (1500 watt), so you only need the lumens. In that case, you get the lumen per watt ratio (LPW). Then, you would only need to select as many LED lights with a similar LPW as you need.
But if you already have the LED fixtures, just divide the HID’s lumens by the lumen per watt ratio of your LED lights. For example, if the 1500W MH lumen output is 127,500 lm, you need 127,500lm / 170 lm per watt = 750W LED light(s). Of course, in this example, your LED lights have a 170 lm per watt ratio.
3. MH bulb base conversion
Sometimes, you may need to use an adapter. Especially if you cannot find a LED light with the same bulb base as the old MH lights. In these instances, using a LED retrofit is also a good idea.
LED light adapters are fairly inexpensive. Basically, you just search for a socket converter that lets you screw your LED light into the old lamp holder. Beware of adapters without a converter, as you can find several adapters for voice control and other purposes.
A LED retrofit is a product that has the same screw base (or interchangeable bases) to use the old lamp holder. But the base itself does not power the LED light. Instead, you will have to connect a driver to both the replacement and the wires to make it work.
4. Difference in power consumption after LED conversion
One of the reasons that make the LED conversion convenient is the different power consumption. In fact, the original MH consumed 1500W metal halide. But, if we keep using the previous example, the new replacement only consumes 750W.
Given the equivalent lumen output to 1500W MH, you have just cut 50% power consumption and electricity cost.
LED lights are more cost-efficient than any HID light. Then again, a metal halide has also a warm-up time. This means that you need to turn the MH lamp on before you even need it, consuming power as the light reaches its full lumen output.
Do I need to remove the 1500 watt metal halide ballast?
Whether you decide on using a retrofit or an adapter, you should remove the ballast and the starter. Eliminating the ballast lets you connect the LED replacement to the standard power grid. Besides, the LED retrofit should come with its owner’s manual and/or wiring guide.
Removing the ballast will give you plenty of space to properly set the LED retrofit and its driver in the housing. Plus, you should remove the ballast and dispose of it to be recycled.
Here is the basic procedure:
- Disconnect power to the MH fixture first.
- Remove the metal halide bulb.
- Cut the wires going to the ballast, but leave enough wire to connect to the driver or the LED replacement twist-on wire connectors.
- Use the rewiring instructions to install the LED retrofit.
- Re-connect the power supply.
Applications of 1500W metal halide LED replacement
1. 1500 watt LED stadium lights
Modern soccer and baseball stadiums all around the world use high power LED lights. By using 1500 watt LED floodlights and spotlights, they enhance the overall illuminance. Indeed, they have at their disposal a more reliable lighting system. One that does not need to cool down before being used again, for one thing. Indeed, LED lights do not heat up as much as equivalent metal halide lights do. Thanks to its heat sink, you can point a LED spotlight on every part of the pitch and turn it on as needed.
2. High mast lighting
A single light pole with a ring or round lamp panel can provide general sports lighting for a multisport ground and the stands.
High mast lighting is optimal for any football field, tennis court, volleyball court, and golf course. But as you might know, the maintenance of many light poles is a nuisance. LED lights last longer than HID bulbs. So, using LED replacements is just more serviceable.
3. 1500W MH equivalent high bay lighting
In indoor environments, using a metal halide lamp continuously can be extremely expensive. For example, an MH growing light might need to stay on for almost 18 hours a day. This can cost you a lot. Especially if you grow small crops.
Similarly, you might have many 1500 watt metal halide fixtures mounted on the ceiling of your gym or indoor sports facility. Thus, making the electric bill go up. By switching to LED high bay lights, you would cut the running cost by half.
4. Parking lot lighting
Some extensive parking areas for employees or customers need a reliable lighting system. Simply put, it is a matter of safety, security, and reputation.
- An employee might trip or fall due to a pothole, which could cost you a claim.
- Security cameras might not work without suitable lighting.
- An ill-lit parking lot is scary. So, it might not look attractive to any driver (potential buyer or client) nearby.
As a covered car park owner, you might want to replace the 1500 watt metal halide lamps to prevent any of these issues for a longer time. After all, a LED conversion could let you use more efficient lights to better lighting up the whole area.
5. Airport/Seaport lighting
Notably, a 1500 watt metal halide light is bound to cause light pollution. Light pollution is a phenomenon due to excessive artificial lighting. To be precise, it can create a night glow, which is not something you might want in an airport. Mostly because it could create problems for any driver in the vicinity.
LED lights do not overheat. So, you can use shielding and other accessories to direct each LED replacement’s beam angle as you desire.
Pros & Cons of replacing 1500 watt metal halide with LED lights
1. Saving running cost
LED is a technology that has spread in recent years. Mainly, there are two reasons for its popularity: efficiency and aesthetics. An LED bulb, in fact, lasts longer and consumes less energy. All in all, it offers the same result compared to a traditional MH bulb. Furthermore, it generates a different aesthetic impact, capable of giving rise to specific or suffused atmospheres. Indeed, thanks to cost-effective watt conversion and remote-control apps and solutions, you can save running costs twice.
2. Longer life span of LED lights
A 1500W HID is prone to failures and malfunctions. In detail, continuous use can lead to overheating. As a result, the heat reduces the life span of the MH lamp quickly. The ballast can also malfunction and cause overwattage operation.
By design, a metal halide bulb lasts about one-quarter of the life span of an equivalent LED light. The latter has better components and more efficient semiconductors, while the former was invented in the early 1900s. Usually, a 1500 MH equivalent LED retrofit lasts for more than 150,000 hours.
Recently, the price of LED decreased. But it is still higher than metal halides’ price point. So, think of LED as an investment in a more long-lasting lighting system.
3. No warm up time
You can turn on and off the 1500 watt LED replacement as many times as you want. But you could not do the same with the original metal halide lamp.
Once lit, a 1500W MH would require about 15 minutes to cool down. Or more, if it had been on for several hours. After that, an HID bulb needs an extra warm-up between 3 and 10 minutes to fully get back at its peak performances.
LEDs have no warm up time. Plus, they emit their full light output as soon as you turn them on.
4. Smart lighting control
LED lights are compatible with smart lighting control. This includes control over many factors and features, such as:
- brightness
- color and color temperature
- individual light points
- sensors
On the positive side, you can control them all by smartphone. MH lights cannot grant you such supervision. But if you opt for a more traditional light control system such as DMX or DALI, you might need to hire professionals to wire it up.
