400 Watt MH/HPS Ballast Broke? What do you think?

[LolaGal]

Hi Ya'll,

I was wondering if someone could give me their opinions on my apparent ballast problem.

I turned on a 400 Watt C.A.P. ValuLine Ballast today. The bulb glows, but does not get bright.

I changed to a new 400 watt MH bulb, as I have ballast switched to MH at the present.

New bulb glowed, but did not get bright.

So I changed cords, reflector, socket and plugged into the ballast. Got a 3rd MH bulb out of the box.

Same results, bulb glowed, but did not get bright.

I figure it must be the ballast. I am surprised because it is 2 months old. What do ya'll think? What is wrong with the ballast in your opinions?

Thanks for the input!
Lola

 

[BeeBee]

Sounds like a bad ballast. In particular, the capacitor, one of the main components of the ballast, is weak. Not a very common occurrence with a new ballast, but certainly possible.
By the way, all ballast capacitors should be replaced after 4 years of daily use.

 

[messn'n'gommin']

A few more options you might want to consider.

PROBLEM 6—LAMP LIGHT OUTPUT LOW

POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Normal Light Output DepreciationThroughout Life
Refer to maintenance characteristics of lamp in technical publications comparing light output vs. burning time. If depreciation is within published range, replace lamp.

2. Incorrect Voltage
Check ballast label to see if rating designation conforms to lamp rating description. Correct if necessary. Check line voltage at ballast and set ballast tap to voltage reading. If not tapped, check ballast voltage range against input voltage. Check wiring connections for voltage loss points. Check socket contact point. Use CWI ballast.

3. Incorrect Ballast Output
Check ballast output to determine if it conforms to lamp requirements. If voltage and current do not stabilize in five to ten minutes warm-up time, ballast output is incorrect and adjustment should be made. Check capacitor wiring, if visibly available, to determine if capacitors are properly wired.

4. Dirt Accumulation
Check and clean lamp and luminaire. Establish maintenance program.

5. Faulty Capacitor
Check capacitor rating to specification. Measure capacitance to specification using capacitance meter. Replace capacitor if necessary.

Hope this helps some.

Namaste, mess

 

[pontiac]

the capacitor is almost always the first component to go. try replacing that first.

 

[pontiac]

or better yet, get a replacement from the store or via warranty. even the cheapest ballasts have at least a 90 day warranty.

 

[Tony Danza]

warranty=replace. No reason not to, unless the turnaround is too slow for your op. No warranty=open it up. Disappointing how many people picked sledge hammer--wasteful ignorance.

 

[LolaGal]

Took ya'lls advice. Discount-Hydro has new ballast on the way here. I'm sending the other one back! Nice not to have to wait till the other one is sent, repaired, and sent back!

Thanks for all the help.