The purpose of an f96t12 ballast in a lighting fixture is to regulate the electrical current flowing to the fluorescent tube, ensuring it operates efficiently and produces light.
The end sockets have to be rewired. The schematic for the rewire is on the ballast label.
No, you cannot use a 400W HPS bulb with an F96T12 ballast. The F96T12 ballast is designed for fluorescent tubes, specifically T12 bulbs, and does not provide the appropriate electrical characteristics needed to operate a high-pressure sodium (HPS) bulb. HPS bulbs require a specific ballast designed for their wattage and type to function correctly and safely.