If you're curious what a Lumatek ballast looks like inside...

[poindexterous]

...and have no reason to open one here are some pics. I've used Lumateks for years now, mostly 1000w, plus a few 600w and 400w, with flawless results I'll add, but never opened one up. Curiosity finally got to me, plus I haven't been using this one and it's past warranty anyway, it's a 1000w 240v. The top and sides are a single piece channel of aluminum, but with either end removed the bottom plate slides off. The only reason beyond curiosity to do this would be to replace the output cord. I removed the output end plate, and recommend the nut on the dial-a-watt knob shaft first be removed as the switch may or may not be held in place by the resin coating, just as the end plates may be. Nothing is attached to the bottom plate thus it is safe to remove. I wouldn't recommended doing this if not absolutely necessary as one could easily damage certain components. I was very careful thus caused no damage. Thought some would find this interesting. Cheers!

 

[Shcrews]

cool!

 

[Andyo]

resin coating

resin coating

whas the reason for resin coating.?

 

[pecor]

Ya want a wet ballast

 

[BlackBuds]

whas the reason for resin coating.?

A lot of circuit builders do this to hide the exact parts within the schematic so you cant easily duplicate the components and build one at a fraction of cost.

 

[Friend]

Mine melted down and that black plastic coating stuff began to ooze out of the case along with smoke and a burning odor

 

[poindexterous]

Mine melted down and that black plastic coating stuff began to ooze out of the case along with smoke and a burning odor

It is important to have some air movement over a Lumatek, it really only requires a little bit, but some is required.

 

[Sativasfied]

whas the reason for resin coating.?

It is used as an electrical insulator that is a better conductor of heat than air.

 

[budleydoright]

All that potting would explain why there are no Eballast repair shops anywhere.

I'm accumulating quite the pile.

 

[poindexterous]

Indeed, no parts besides what's on the end plates(input port, breakers, and output cord) could be replaced. Though I've never had a single Lumatek ever fail. With even a small fan blowing over them the tops of my 1000w Lumateks are barely lukewarm. In totally still air I measured about 100 deg F. My old magnetic ballasts would reach 180 F where the transformer touched the body plate.