Ballast cuts off when bumped

[crackrocker]

http://cgi.ebay.com/600W-WATT-HPS-M...ultDomain_0&hash=item3a675f8309#ht_5818wt_905

Never owned a light before
Just got that in the mail, tested it out real quick and I got two questions. 1)Is it normal for a ballast not to have an on/off switch?
2) More importantly is it normal for an electronic ballast to cut off when moved if its on. While i was testing it out i tried to move the ballast when it was on and to my horror my bulb cuts off, I set the ballast down, and it cuts right back on. Made me cringe watchin my bulb pop off then back on like that so quick

So is this a quality safety measure, or cheap wiring? This bitch came with a three year warranty

 

[stonedar]

I just went and moved my 400w as it's the only one on at the moment. it's a no name HID hut Chinese knockoff ballast like yours only not the pretty "Regal purple color body frame" it doesn't cut off when moved.
I had to go check, I don't think I've ever moved a digital ballast when it was on before.

so if it's a safety feature of your ballast, mine doesn't have it. I'd for sure contact the seller and ask.

 

[SuperSizeMe]

I've had my lights 'restart' when bumping my head on the hood, but not from moving the ballast.

Are you sure it's not a loose wire/connection somewhere?

Peace,

SSM

EDIT:

I just noticed you said the light went off/on very quickly...is your bulb screwed in all the way?
If it was an issue with the ballast, it would have let then bulb cool down a bit and then re-fired.

Check all your connections and try again.

 

[Iron_Lion]

IMO that thing is waaaay too cheap for what it is.

No it is not normal for a ballast to shut off when being moved, this would mean something is either loose inside or just plain shitty components.

There are a few reasons to avoid cheap chinese knock off digital ballasts.

1. that thing is made to look like a lumatek but it is way lesser quality just by looking at it.

2. Digital ballasts have to have shielded power cords and internals. if the internals and cords are not shielded the frequency of the ballast can disrupt cable tv, internet and radio signals in the area. This could end up with the cable company knockin on your door and telling you strange frequency is coming from your house.

3. Most name brand digi's are sealed on the inside which prevents things from being loose or coming loose.

4. As with most things you get what you pay for.

Cheap chinese magnetic ballasts are a different story as these dont have to be sealed or shielded because they dont have frequency issues.

 

[crackrocker]

FUCK!

And it is the ballast shuttin off cause i hear the fan cut off in it and shit.
I'm not sure what you mean by the power cords and internals are shielded, the only thing exposed is the power cord coming out of the back of the ballast. Well it came with a 3 year warranty i contacted the seller on EBAY so well see.

 

[Mr Eckted]

Sounds like a loose wire or component to me. Warranty! Maybe go with a magnetic ballast next time if you're looking to save some cash. As has been mentioned, the bargain electronic ones are sometimes of dubious quality.

 

[Iron_Lion]

FUCK!


I'm not sure what you mean by the power cords and internals are shielded, the only thing exposed is the power cord coming out of the back of the ballast.

RF shielding is not something you can physically see unless you cut in to the power cord. In the product description of lumatek ballast or any other major brand it makes a point to say they are RF shielding.

RF shielding is just a foil wrapper that surrounds the wires inside the power cords to prevent the high electrical frequency from escaping.


Your problem is not caused by lack of shielding its just something to look out for when buying a cheapo ballast. I would just return it and buy a name brand ballast. If its fucking up right out of the box its not worth it.

Im skeptical of the kit you bought because thats a digital ballast with all the shit and bulbs for less money then most old school magnetic ballasts sell for.

 

[crackrocker]

So after fuckin around with it more, I realized its the power cord. This bullshit powercord doesnt fit the power supply well. So im messaging the seller askin them to send me one that fits.

 

[crackrocker]

so do you guys think i should just go to home depot w/my ballast and look for a cord that actually fits? I dont have a grow going right now and barely any pot lol.

 

[High Country]

I've had that happen before too. So I opened it up, with the power off, and noticed the female plug which the light lead plugs in to was loose. Simply tightened it up and it was good to go. No problems since then. Be careful of the capacitor, it can hold a charge.

 

[krunchbubble]

you buy cheap, you get cheap......

 

[crackrocker]

Simply tightened it up and it was good to go.
Be careful of the capacitor, it can hold a charge.

How did you tighten it up?

and what sry what do you mean about be careful of the capacitor. Where is it and why do i care if it holds a charge?

I got an email today telln me i must of gotten a defective cord and they sendin me another out tomorrow

 

[High Country]

How did you tighten it up?

and what sry what do you mean about be careful of the capacitor. Where is it and why do i care if it holds a charge?

I got an email today telln me i must of gotten a defective cord and they sendin me another out tomorrow

The female plug was fitted inside the ballast with screws, they were simply loose. The male light plug would not go all the way in until the female plug was tightened properly.

The capacitor in a ballast is a round thing that stores an electric charge. I'm no electrician so don't know the ins and outs of it all. However I have heard of people being electrocuted by large capacitors when they were not discharged properly. Not sure if a capacitor in a light ballast holds enough charge to do this. I don't know how to discharge them either.

So just to be safe I don't go near them.

 

[crackrocker]

Thanks guys for all the help. I think i came outta this one ok with a good deal, but I'll get my tent and fan and probobly most other things from htgsupply.

EXCEPT STONEDAR! That sarcastic comment about my regal purple case........... that hurt.
I love that case...........

 

[crackrocker]

you buy cheap, you get cheap......

Just for the final update, seller sent me another power cord and that was the problem. Thrilled with what I got for 250 dollars.

 

[stonedar]

glad they solved your problem
happy growing

 

[DRorganic]

my light does the same thing its a

HYDROFARM LUMATEK 600 WATT HPS 120/240V DIM E-BALLAST and you have to watch the plug in to the wall as if you move it it will go off .it needs some kinda screw set to hold it to the wall, i see no problem as soon as i put it down and push the receptacle back in the wall it lights right back up.

 

[Mr Eckted]

The female plug was fitted inside the ballast with screws, they were simply loose. The male light plug would not go all the way in until the female plug was tightened properly.

The capacitor in a ballast is a round thing that stores an electric charge. I'm no electrician so don't know the ins and outs of it all. However I have heard of people being electrocuted by large capacitors when they were not discharged properly. Not sure if a capacitor in a light ballast holds enough charge to do this. I don't know how to discharge them either.

So just to be safe I don't go near them.

Yes, the one in your ballast can kill you. The ones for camera flashes are dangerous. Always check with a meter, and discharge safely, using a resistor of 25ohm/V of the capacitor's rating if you need to.