Ballast trouble, any takers?

[always2theLeft]

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, couldn't find an equipment section.

Anyway, I was given 2 1000W ballasts (hps, one sun system, one hydrafarm) and they both flicker on and off. I was told they were plugged into an extension cord that was not meant to carry loads this big. How do I go about returning them? Or does anyone know how to fix this problem? I know there are only like 3 main parts in ballasts...

Thanks for any help.

 

[Admiral Canna]

Chances are, you can't return them. Unless you have the receipts for them. Stores don't take shit back without em usually. You can buy Hydrofarm equip all over the country.

Shouldn't do damage to the ballast using an extension cord....altho its not a good idea....you get "voltage drop" and your bulb will not produce as much light.

The bulbs could be shot too.

I'd start by swapping the bulbs out and seeing if that was yer problem.

 

[humble1]

after doing what the admiral said you can proceed by opening the ballasts.
unscrew the box and see what's inside.
you'd be better off doing this with the ballasts unplugged.
look for burnt, discolored or frayed components and check the connections from anything that is visibly damaged.
then post back....

 

[messn'n'gommin']

After trying the first two posts and just as a point of information for you:

PROBLEM 3— LAMP FLICKERS OR CYCLES ON AND OFF

POSSIBLE CAUSE
CORRECTIVE ACTION

1. Wrong Ballast
With mercury lamps, improper ballasting can cause flickering or erratic operation. With metal halide lamps, the effect is generally noticed in the startup period when the lamp ignites, starts to warm up and then extinguishes (cycling). This may be caused by improper voltage/current relationships delivered by ballast. Under certain conditions new lamps may "cycle". Usually after three tries to start at 30 to 60 second intervals lamps will stabilize and operate normally.

2. High Lamp Operating Voltage/Low Open Circuit Ballast Voltage
Measure lamp operating voltage. Measure ballast open circuit voltage. Replace as required.

3. Variable Voltage
Heavy motor loads or welding appliances on line can cause flickering during operation. Remove lighting circuits from the circuits serving these devices. Provide voltage regulators. Check for loose connection. Use of Constant Wattage Isolated (CWI) ballasts not Constant Wattage Auto (CWA) can frequently help this situation.

4. HPS Cycler
As a high pressure sodium lamp is burned for long periods of time, its operating voltage tends to increase. When this point is reached, the lamp will exhibit cycling on and off characteristics. This is normal end of life lamp. Replace the lamp after checking ballast open circuit voltage and lamp operating voltage.

Namaste

 

[crizzo]

be very careful if you do open those ballast. the capacitor store a charge that can really hurt. if you are not familiar with electrical, I would recommend not opening it up.

but if you do, use a screwdriver to ground the 2 post together to discharge the cap.

 

[FirstTimer10]

be very careful if you do open those ballast. the capacitor store a charge that can really hurt. if you are not familiar with electrical, I would recommend not opening it up.

but if you do, use a screwdriver to ground the 2 post together to discharge the cap.

Do you risk blowing the capacitors if you do that?