High pressure sodium (HPS) bulbs at 400 watts are a common choice for outdoor lighting, parking lots, and certain indoor horticultural applications. This guide compares five 400W HPS options from trusted brands, focusing on brightness, color temperature, base compatibility, and lifespan. Each product is evaluated for use with Mogul E39 bases and ANSI code S51, helping you select a reliable, high-output bulb for demanding environments.
Summary of chosen products
| Product | Brand | Lumen Output | Base | Color Temperature | Life Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GRUOTVSZAK LU400/MOG 400W | GRUOTVSZAK | 50,000 | E39 Mogul | 2100K | 24,000 |
| Sunlite 03636-SU LU400/MOG | Sunlite | 48,000 | E39 Mogul | 2100K | 20,000 |
| GE Lighting 400W LU400/H/ECO | GE | 51,000 | E39 Mogul | 2100K | 24,000 |
| iPower 400W HPS Grow Light | iPower | 55,000 | E39 Mogul | 2100K | Unknown |
| GoodBulb 400W HPS HID Light Bulb | GoodBulb | 48,000 | E39 Mogul | 2000K | 24,000 |
GRUOTVSZAK LU400/MOG 400W High Pressure Sodium Bulb
The GRUOTVSZAK LU400/MOG is a 400W high-pressure sodium bulb with a Mogul E39 base and ANSI code S51. It delivers up to 50,000 lumens and has a typical life of over 24,000 hours. The bulb is clear and designed for compatibility with ANSI S51 ballasts, making it suitable for street lighting, parking lots, and industrial fixtures that require high brightness and reliable long-term operation.
Sunlite 03636-SU LU400/MOG High Pressure Sodium Bulb
Sunlite’s 400W LU400/MOG bulb provides 48,000 lumens with a 2100K color temperature in a standard ED18/MOG form factor and Mogul base (E39). Designed as a long-life HID replacement, it is well-suited for outdoor fixtures like streetlights and parking areas. The clear glass helps maximize light output, and its 2.4-inch diameter by 9.4 inches height fit typical 400W HID housings.
SYLVANIA 400W Plantastar HPS Grow Light (65308)
SYLVANIA’s 400W Plantastar HID grow light is designed for horticultural use with a 2100K color temperature and a broad spectrum to support vegetative growth and flowering. With an ANSI S51/E39 base and a claimed lifetime around 24,000 hours, it is positioned for greenhouse and indoor growing applications where stable, long-lasting performance is required.
GRUOTVSZAK HPS 400W Grow Light Bulb (2-Pack)
This GRUOTVSZAK 400W HPS two-pack emphasizes higher lumen output, offering up to 55,000 lumens with a color temperature around 2100K. The bulbs are designed for compatibility with electronic or magnetic ballasts and use the E39 Mogul base, making them suitable for blooming-focused horticultural setups and high-output lighting needs.
GE Lighting 400W, ED18 High Pressure Sodium HID Bulb
GE’s 400W ED18 HPS bulb is designed for universal operating positions and HID applications. It features a Mogul base (E39) and ANSI S51 code, with a warm 2100K color temperature and a lumen output around 51,000. The bulb is marketed as shatter-resistant and suitable for environments that demand stable, long-life performance in enclosed fixtures.
iPower 400W HPS Grow Light Bulb (2 Pack)
The iPower 400W HPS grow bulb is designed for hydroponic cultivation with a high PAR emphasis and a color temperature of 2100K. It outputs approximately 55,000 lumens and is compatible with both electronic and magnetic ballasts using the E39 base. The product targets professional plant growth with enhanced red/orange spectrum for flowering and fruiting stages.
GoodBulb 400W HPS HID Light Bulb (2 Pack)
GoodBulb’s 400W HPS bulbs come in a 2-pack with an E39 Mogul base and ANSI code S51. They’re rated for up to 24,000 hours of life, delivering a warm 2000K color temperature and clear finish to maximize light output in outdoor fixtures or industrial applications. The bulbs are positioned as a cost-effective, long-lasting HID option.
Buying Guide: Key Considerations for 400W HPS Bulbs
- Compatibility and base: Ensure the bulb uses a Mogul E39 base and ANSI code S51, matching your fixture’s ballast and socket requirements. Some fixtures may require ED18 shape while others accommodate ED18/MOG or similar forms.
- Lumen output and efficiency: Look for bulbs offering high lumen output (typically 48,000–55,000) to maximize area illumination and reduce the number of fixtures needed for a given space.
- Color temperature and spectrum: 2100K is common for HPS with warm amber tones ideal for outdoor lighting and certain horticultural applications. Some grow-focused bulbs may emphasize red spectrum for flowering and fruiting.
- Lifetime and reliability: Lifetimes around 20,000–24,000 hours are typical. Longer life reduces maintenance, but early lumen depreciation can vary with model and ballast compatibility.
- Outdoor and enclosure use: If installed in exposed or enclosed fixtures, verify suitability for those environments and any enclosure rating recommendations provided by the manufacturer.
- Ballast compatibility: Some bulbs are compatible with both electronic and magnetic ballasts, while others perform best with one type. Check your existing ballast and any recommended replacements or adjustments.
- Applications: Consider whether you need high-brightness outdoor lighting (streets, parking lots) or horticultural growth support (greenhouses, grow tents) and select a bulb marketed for that use.
- Safety and handling: HPS bulbs run hot and require proper handling to avoid breakage. Use protective gear and follow disposal guidelines for spent bulbs.
In choosing among these options, consider the balance between lumen output, color temperature, and ballast compatibility with your fixture. For outdoor lighting, higher lumen output and a proven track record in industrial environments are advantageous. For horticultural applications, bulbs that emphasize a spectrum favorable to flowering and fruiting can improve yields, while still providing robust overall brightness for space coverage.