Capacitor, Sodium, 1000W/Wet

The Capacitor, Sodium, 1000W/Wet is a direct replacement capacitor rated at 26 MFD / 525 VAC MIN, designed for use with Hydrofarm 1000W high pressure sodium (HPS) and convertible magnetic ballasts. Capacitors are an essential ballast component — they store energy and release it during demand spikes, keeping your lighting system running smoothly when load conditions change. Keeping a spare or replacing a worn capacitor is one of the most cost-effective ways to restore full ballast performance.

Capacitor Sodium 1000W/Wet Specifications

The specifications below are drawn directly from the product description text and supplier documentation. This capacitor carries a 26 MFD capacitance rating and is rated for a minimum of 525 VAC, matching the electrical demands of 1000W sodium ballast circuits.

Specification	Value
Component Type	Wet Capacitor (electrolytic)
Rated System Wattage	1000W
Capacitance	26 MFD (microfarads)
Voltage Rating	525 VAC MIN
Lamp Type Compatibility	High Pressure Sodium (HPS)
Ballast Type Compatibility	Magnetic ballasts (HPS and convertible)
Primary Ballast Brand Fit	Hydrofarm 1000W magnetic ballasts
Supplier SKU	BACPSD1TH

Why Choose This 1000W Wet Capacitor

Replacing a failing or failed capacitor is often the fastest way to return a non-functioning magnetic ballast to service. Capacitors are a wear component — over time, heat and repeated charge/discharge cycles degrade their performance. A capacitor that can no longer hold its rated charge puts the ballast under additional strain, reduces lamp startup reliability, and can cause premature lamp failure.

This unit carries the exact specifications — 26 MFD at 525 VAC minimum — that Hydrofarm specifies for their 1000W HPS and convertible magnetic ballast lineup. Using an out-of-spec capacitor (wrong MFD rating or insufficient voltage rating) risks improper lamp ignition and can damage other ballast components.

Because capacitors are available in a range of wattages and types, having the correct part number on hand before a repair begins saves time. The BACPSD1TH designation identifies this unit clearly for ordering or warranty purposes.

• Direct replacement fit: Rated at 26 MFD / 525 VAC MIN to match Hydrofarm 1000W magnetic ballast requirements exactly.
• Wet-type construction: Electrolytic wet capacitors are the standard in high-wattage HPS ballast circuits, offering the capacitance density required for reliable lamp ignition at 1000W.
• Restores ballast function: A degraded capacitor is a common cause of ballast startup failures and flickering lamps; swapping this component is a logical first diagnostic step before replacing the entire ballast.
• Works with convertible ballasts: Compatible with both dedicated HPS ballasts and convertible (HPS/MH switchable) Hydrofarm magnetic ballasts at the 1000W rating.
• Cost-effective repair part: Replacing only the capacitor is significantly less expensive than a full ballast replacement when other ballast components are still functional.

Best Uses for This Capacitor

This capacitor is a maintenance and repair component for established HPS lighting systems. It is not a standalone product — it is installed inside a magnetic ballast housing as part of a repair or scheduled replacement.

• Ballast repair and restoration: Use when a Hydrofarm 1000W magnetic ballast fails to start the lamp or produces unstable output, and testing confirms the capacitor is the failing component.
• Preventive maintenance replacement: Capacitors in high-cycle grow room environments (18/6 or 12/12 photoperiods running year-round) accumulate heat stress. Replacing the capacitor as part of a seasonal or annual ballast service can prevent unexpected failures during a critical grow cycle.
• Spare parts inventory: Commercial and hobbyist growers running multiple 1000W HPS fixtures benefit from keeping one or two replacement capacitors on hand to minimize downtime if a ballast fails mid-cycle.
• Convertible ballast servicing: If you are running a Hydrofarm convertible magnetic ballast — switching between HPS and MH lamps across grow and bloom cycles — the capacitor experiences additional thermal cycling. Having a replacement on hand is practical given the higher duty cycle.
• Post-surge or power event recovery: Voltage spikes and power surges can damage capacitors before other ballast components. After an electrical event, the capacitor is one of the first components to inspect and replace if damaged.

Wet vs Dry Capacitors for HPS Ballasts

Ballast capacitors come in two main construction types: wet (electrolytic) and dry (film or polypropylene). For 1000W HPS applications, wet electrolytic capacitors are the standard used in most Hydrofarm magnetic ballasts. Here is how the two types compare in this application:

Factor	Wet (Electrolytic) Capacitor	Dry (Film) Capacitor
Capacitance density	High — achieves 26 MFD in compact form	Lower — larger physical size for same rating
Use in magnetic HPS ballasts	Standard — specified by Hydrofarm for 1000W	Less common in this ballast class
Lifespan characteristic	Degrades over time with heat; serviceable component	Longer lifespan in moderate-heat applications
Replacement availability	Widely available as a known ballast service part	Varies by ballast manufacturer

Always confirm your ballast’s capacitor specification before purchasing a replacement. Substituting a different capacitance value (even slightly) can cause lamp ignition problems. If you are uncertain which capacitor your ballast requires, consult your ballast documentation or contact the ballast manufacturer.

Compatibility

This capacitor is confirmed compatible with Hydrofarm 1000W high pressure sodium (HPS) magnetic ballasts and Hydrofarm 1000W convertible magnetic ballasts (units that accept both HPS and metal halide lamps). The 26 MFD / 525 VAC MIN rating is the specification Hydrofarm uses in its 1000W sodium ballast circuit design.

If you are working with a non-Hydrofarm ballast, verify that your ballast’s capacitor specification matches 26 MFD and that the voltage rating of 525 VAC MIN meets or exceeds your ballast’s capacitor requirement before installing this unit. Capacitor specifications vary across ballast brands and wattages — a mismatch can prevent proper lamp starting.

This capacitor is for use in magnetic ballast circuits only. It is not applicable to electronic (digital) ballasts, which use a fundamentally different power regulation topology without a traditional run capacitor. If you are running an electronic ballast such as the Hydrofarm Phantom II digital ballast, this replacement part does not apply to your system.

For growers building out a full 1000W HPS lighting setup, the lamp, reflector, and ballast must all be matched to the same wattage. The capacitor inside the ballast is sized specifically for the wattage and lamp type — replacing it with the correct-spec part ensures the system operates as designed.

Usage Guidelines

Capacitor replacement is an electrical repair task. Before beginning any work on a ballast, observe the following guidelines:

• De-energize the ballast completely before opening it. Unplug from the wall outlet and allow at least 5 minutes for any residual charge to dissipate. A charged capacitor can store lethal voltage even after power is disconnected.
• Verify the failed component before replacing. Use a capacitance meter (available at electronics supply stores) to test the installed capacitor. A reading significantly below 26 MFD, or a reading of zero, indicates a failed unit.
• Match polarity on installation (if the replacement capacitor is polarized). Wet electrolytic capacitors typically have a positive and negative terminal. Installing with reversed polarity can cause immediate capacitor failure.
• Inspect other ballast components while the unit is open. If the capacitor failed due to overheating, check the ignitor and transformer for heat damage before reassembling.
• Dispose of the old capacitor properly. Wet electrolytic capacitors contain an electrolyte solution. Check your local regulations for electronic component disposal.

Hydrofarm capacitors and replacement parts are available in a variety of wattages, brands, and types for different ballast configurations. If you are unsure whether this specific part is correct for your ballast model, contact the ballast manufacturer with your ballast model number before ordering.

How to Replace a Ballast Capacitor

Important: Capacitor replacement involves working inside electrical equipment. If you are not comfortable working with electrical components, have this repair performed by a qualified technician. Always de-energize and discharge the ballast before opening it.

1. Power down and unplug the ballast. Turn off the timer or controller, then unplug the ballast from its outlet. If the ballast is hardwired, switch off the circuit breaker and verify with a non-contact voltage tester that power is off.
2. Allow discharge time. Wait at least 5 minutes after disconnecting power before touching any internal components. Capacitors can hold a charge after the circuit is de-energized.
3. Open the ballast enclosure. Remove the screws securing the ballast housing and carefully open the enclosure. Keep track of all fasteners.
4. Locate and identify the capacitor. The capacitor is typically a cylindrical component connected to the circuit board or wired directly into the ballast circuit. Note the orientation and terminal connections before disconnecting.
5. Test the existing capacitor (optional but recommended). Use a capacitance meter to confirm the capacitor is the failed component (reading significantly below 26 MFD or zero). This step prevents unnecessary replacements.
6. Disconnect the old capacitor. Note the wiring connections (photograph if helpful). Carefully disconnect or desolder the capacitor terminals. Handle the old unit carefully — even a discharged capacitor may retain some residual charge.
7. Install the new capacitor. Connect the new 26 MFD / 525 VAC MIN capacitor to the same terminals, observing polarity. Ensure connections are secure and no bare wire is exposed.
8. Close the enclosure and test. Reassemble the ballast housing. Reconnect to power and connect a compatible 1000W HPS lamp. Power on to verify the lamp strikes and operates normally.

For growers running complete 1000W HPS systems, a well-maintained ballast is central to consistent light output. Paired with the correct lamp and reflector, a properly serviced magnetic ballast can provide reliable performance over multiple grow cycles. If you are looking to expand your lighting setup, our T5 fluorescent fixture options are a good complement for propagation and veg stages alongside your main 1000W HPS flowering lights.

Sources & Further Reading