He could be just be experimenting. I've done it in the past and nothing happens though. On a PSMH ballast, things get interesting. A 70w ballast can cause a 60w lamp to arc all the way to the base. A couple of years ago, I put a dead Westinghouse 100w T19 lamp on a 320w PSMH ballast (regret it), and within two minutes of arcing, it exploded. I still have it's cool blue glass insulated base though as a memory of it.

Was it that 320W PSMH ballast that also made the 50W HPS explode?

Was it that 320W PSMH ballast that also made the 50W HPS explode?

Yes. I've also put a Philips 40w T19 (Post-Westinghouse) and a GE 40w Appliance on there as well. Neither exploded though.

When I actually find it I'll post photos of it .

Want a REAL show? Get a 1000w PSMH ballast and run it on that. 

Want a REAL show? Get a 1000w PSMH ballast and run it on that. 

Or a 1000 watt HPS.

Will this cause a dead halogen capsule to explode?