Magnetic Ballast Troubleshooting and Repair

[CelticEBE]

I have a ballast that's down right now and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for troubleshooting it. I have a fluke multimeter.

Ballast in question is an old sun systems 1000 watt Magnetic. It hums, but won't light up a bulb.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[up yours]

I have a ballast that's down right now and I was wondering if anyone could point me in the right direction for troubleshooting it. I have a fluke multimeter.

Ballast in question is an old sun systems 1000 watt Magnetic. It hums, but won't light up a bulb.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

If this is a hps take a mh 1000w bulb install if it lights your ignitor is bad they are 35$ and easy to change pm if more help is needed later bro

 

[Inuit]

You can also open it and visually inspect the capacitor for buldges or leaks, if you see any, replace the capacitor. Shape isn't important, juts make sure the ratings on the new one match the ratings on the old one if you change it. Also probably less than $35.

Inuit

 

[up yours]

It is always best to replace cap/ignitor at same time if old hardware. Do not re use wire nuts tape all wire nuts w/ elec tape and only do one wire at a time it easy to become confused this repair won't. take 15 min bro. Later pm if more needed later.:bubblez:

 

[yoko]

What is a good source and price for a new cap and ignitor?

Yoko

 

[up yours]

Hydro store or electric supply store or online suppliers

 

[up yours]

Sorry I'm really stoned and between 50 to 80

 

[yoko]

Thanks!

 

[dwh2125]

Very similar issue with attached Econo Gro 1000 SW magnetic ballast... first few hours the MH bulb ran great, then checked on the setup later that evening and the bulbs inner tube was trying to fire but couldn’t complete the process... think it’s the starter? I need this up and running ASAP or have to put the T8’s back into service.

If this is a hps take a mh 1000w bulb install if it lights your ignitor is bad they are 35$ and easy to change pm if more help is needed later bro

 

[Kraken.headz]

If it won't fire the halide, then it's the capacitor. Of course, first make sure everything is connected tight, and that the switch is fully engaged to the halide side.

 

[dwh2125]

If it won't fire the halide, then it's the capacitor. Of course, first make sure everything is connected tight, and that the switch is fully engaged to the halide side.

Everything was clean inside the ballast, no burning or leaks... checked all connections, still only this much power...

 

[Kraken.headz]

It should be an easy fix. Some hydro shops work on them, or you can buy the cap and replace it yourself. I don't think the sun systems are soldered, so it's just undoing two connectors, removing old cap, replacing with new.

If you do it yourself, discharge the cap by tapping the open posts with a screwdriver or something.

 

[dwh2125]

Thanks! Yeah us mechanical engineers know just enough about electrical to be dangerous
Will bolt in new cap, just two half clamps and 2 screws holding in.
Post results when new parts are in, got a new bulb arriving today just to be safe as well, new cap. New bulb figured.

It should be an easy fix. Some hydro shops work on them, or you can buy the cap and replace it yourself. I don't think the sun systems are soldered, so it's just undoing two connectors, removing old cap, replacing with new.

If you do it yourself, discharge the cap by tapping the open posts with a screwdriver or something.

 

[Kraken.headz]

Haha.

Step One- Unplug ballast

 

[dwh2125]

Tough capacitor to properly ID a like in kind replacement... prices vary through google wildly.