Capacitor, Sodium, 1000W/Wet

Replace the Capacitor in Your Hydrofarm 1000W HPS or Convertible Magnetic Ballast

High pressure sodium (HPS) and convertible magnetic ballasts use a capacitor to support lamp ignition and regulate current during operation. Capacitor degradation is a common cause of HPS lamp startup failures, flickering, and reduced ballast reliability over a grow system's lifetime. Replacing the capacitor restores normal ballast function.

This Hydrofarm replacement capacitor is rated at 26 MFD and 525 VAC minimum, wet type — specified for all Hydrofarm 1000W high pressure sodium and convertible magnetic ballasts. The wet capacitor construction suits the high-voltage, high-temperature operating environment inside an HPS magnetic ballast.

Key Features & Benefits

• 26 MFD capacitance — rated at 26 microfarads — the specified capacitance for Hydrofarm 1000W HPS and convertible magnetic ballasts.
• 525 VAC minimum voltage rating — rated for the voltage levels present in 1000W HPS ballast circuits.
• Wet type construction — wet electrolytic capacitor construction for HPS magnetic ballast operating conditions.
• HPS and convertible ballast compatible — specified for all Hydrofarm 1000W high pressure sodium and convertible (MH/HPS) magnetic ballasts.
• Restores lamp startup reliability — replacing a degraded capacitor can restore clean lamp ignition and consistent output across the grow cycle.

Who Should Use the Hydrofarm 1000W HPS Replacement Capacitor

Growers running Hydrofarm 1000W high pressure sodium or convertible magnetic ballasts who need to replace a degraded capacitor to restore reliable lamp startup and consistent ballast performance.

HPS vs. MH Capacitors — Matching the Right Replacement

HPS and metal halide ballasts use different capacitor values — this HPS capacitor is rated 26 MFD / 525 VAC, while the Hydrofarm MH capacitor is 24 MFD / 480 VAC. Using the wrong capacitor can cause lamp startup failures or ballast damage. Always confirm the capacitor specification on the original component or in the ballast documentation before replacing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the MH capacitor (BACPHL1TH) and this HPS capacitor?

The MH capacitor is rated 24 MFD / 480 VAC for metal halide ballasts; this HPS capacitor is rated 26 MFD / 525 VAC for high pressure sodium and convertible ballasts. The values are different — use the correct one for your ballast type.

How do I know when the HPS capacitor needs replacement?

Common indicators include lamps that fail to ignite, longer-than-normal warm-up times, flickering during operation, or elevated ballast temperature. A capacitance meter reading significantly below 26 MFD confirms degradation.

Can this capacitor be used in convertible ballasts running MH lamps?

This capacitor is specified for the HPS mode of convertible ballasts. When a convertible ballast is running in MH mode, verify the correct capacitor spec for that configuration in the ballast documentation.

Is there a difference between the BACPSD1TH and BACPSD1THU capacitors?

The BACPSD1THU is the US-specification version of the 1000W sodium capacitor. If your ballast was manufactured for the US electrical standard, use the BACPSD1THU. Consult your ballast documentation or Hydrofarm support to confirm which version applies to your ballast.