Alternative lamp for 70w Metal Hallide exterior light?

[wizbongre]

Our house has a number of external floodlights (running 70w sodium vapour high pressure lamps) that act as dusk till dawn units from one central light sensor. One of the lights died a death, apparently due to bad fitment allowing water ingress which has slowly damaged the internals.

I've bought a replacement unit with a 70w Metal Hallide lamp but now realise the light colour, tone and intensity is completely different. The new unit is one of these https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLFL70H.html whilst the old ones are similar to this https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/TLAF70SP.html

I actually quite like the light coverage from the new unit but it is very bright and stark as it is a whiter light, whereas the rest of the units cast a yellow sodium glow which is better for dusk till dawn use around our house.

Before I rectify my mistake, are there any lamps that work with a metal hallide light to create the sodium look or is it just easier to switch back to the sodium fittings?

 

[333rocky333]

You should find the new fitting has an igniter, check inside if needbe, the ballast is the same as a son therefore you can fit a son lamp but it must be marked EXTERNAL IGNITED or have a E inside a triangle symbol.
This will give off the yellow light same as what you had, your old fittings may have INTERNAL ignited lamps,if so those are not the same and not suitable for your new light
A tubular es lamp is a son-T
A rounded es lamp is a son-E

oh dear
Just checked your link,the new fitting would need a 70 watt double ended, son, external ignited lamp, very rare.
unfortunately they are Megabucks to buy, you may be better getting another fitting.

http://commercial-lamps.co.uk/product/double-ended-son/

 

[eveares]

are there any lamps that work with a metal hallide light to create the sodium look

How about a Gel Filter, like what is used with Par Cans.

 

[wizbongre]

Thanks 333rocky333 - I think you confirmed what I suspected, that it wasn't easy (i.e. cheap!) to rectify this.

eveares - I'd thought about gel filters too but decided it was too much of a hack.

End result = a normal sodium light has been ordered and the hallide one will be re-commissioned as a manually controlled floodlight over the garage.

Thanks both!