amount of PAR per watt of energy delivered by this
technology is greater than other HID systems.
Another advantage of CMHs is they provide a
strong amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Although
UV light is outside a human’s visual range, it provides
multiple benefits in plant growth and plant develop-
ment. CMHs actually produce all three types of UV
spectrums (UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C). Since UV-C is
very harmful to the eyes of humans, most CMH lamp
manufacturers use a special glass which filters out
the UV-C spectrum, while still allowing through the
UV-A and UV-B spectrums. The final advantage of
CMH lamp technology is longevity. Ceramic metal ha-
lide lamps have a longer life span than the standard
metal halide. In fact, ceramic metal halide bulbs have
a rated life span of 20,000 hours, whereas many hor-
ticultural specific HPS lamps have a rated life span of
only 10,000 hours.
ARC Commercial CMH 315W Lighting
System from Hydrofarm
The ARC Commercial CMH 315W lighting system
is a complete, low-profile horticultural lighting sys-
tem designed to meet the needs of commercial indoor
growers. Due to its impressive full-spectrum output,
the ARC Commercial CMH 315W system is the ideal
lighting solution for both vegetative and flowering
growth. The replaceable reflector that comes with
the system is crafted from 95% reflective European
aluminum and was specifically designed to distribute
the CMH lamp’s photosynthetic photon flux (PPF)
in a rectangular, traditional spread. This high quality
reflector delivers high µmol/s when positioned closer
to the plant canopy and a wider distribution of plant-
usable light radiation when raised higher.
When purchasing an ARC Commercial CMH
315W system, a horticulturist can choose between
a 3100K or 4200K lamp. Both lamps are top quality
Philips brand CMH lamps. These lamps are able to
produce excellent PPF, along with the optimal spec-
trums outside the PAR range which trigger photomor-
phogenic responses, such as increased essential oil
production. In addition to the quality Philips lamps,
the ARC Commercial CMH 315W system features a
low frequency 50/60Hz square wave Philips brand
ballast that is rated for 50,000 hours. The ARC Com-
mercial CMH 315W system features massive thermal
heat distribution fins on the ballast compartment to
allow the internal electronic components to operate
at the optimal temperature range and ensure an even
longer ballast life. The ARC Commercial CMH 315W
lighting systems are available in 208-240V, 277V,
347V, and 480V versions. In other words, regardless
of the commercial facility, the ARC Commercial CMH
315W will be compatible.
Square Wave Technology
As previously mentioned, the ARC Commercial
CMH 315W lighting system comes complete with a
high efficiency, low frequency square wave ballast.
8
www.GardenandGreenhouse.net
September 2018