How long should it take HPS bulbs to strike?

[ReprobateMind]

I just bought a digital Quantum ballast (new old stock). Of the four bulbs I tested, two fired up right away. One took 30 seconds to fire and another took 2 minutes and 20 seconds. Is it normal for HPS bulbs not to turn on right away or is the ballast bad? NOTE: I ran the first bulb for 30 minutes and then turned off the ballast. Waited 40 minutes, took out the bulb, and then tested the next bulb. Rinse and repeat. So, the ballast was turned off for approximately 45 minutes between bulbs.

 

[TrifektaSeeds]

Sounds strange, normally they have a 15 min protection but maybe yours is different
If everything is alright they should strike within 30 sec or less
Could be faulty bulbs, I doubt it has anything to do with the ballast but check after more time for good measure.

 

[Hiddenjems]

My digital ballasts light up pretty much immediately.

 

[ReprobateMind]

Thanks

I think two of the bulbs are bad. Well, one is bad and the other may be starting to go bad. I just tried the two slow starting bulbs in a different ballast. One took 4 minutes and 26 seconds to strike. The other took 2 minutes and 57 seconds. I'm going to request a refund.

FWIW, both ballasts that I used are 600w Quantum II, model #QT600.

 

[troutman]

If for any reason You turn off Your light. Do not turn it on again until the bulb and ballast
has cooled down to room temp. It can damage the ballast or ruin the bulb.

Maybe, take the bulb out and put it back in helps.

Cheers