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Electrical/Ballast Question

Discussion in 'General Discussion' started by Cybball, Dec 3, 2009.

  1. Dec 3, 2009 #1
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    I recently picked up two used 250w halide ballasts, cables, and bulbs.  They have worked for the past two days, but today, one of my bulbs won't fire up.  I looked everything over and ran an electrical tester on the wiring.  The wiring going from the ballast to the bulb that won't fire on doesn't seem to have power running through it.  The wire leading into the ballast has power, and the outlet (outgoing) to the bulb tests hot, but nothing in the cord when I plug it into the ballast.  The bulbs all work fine with the good side.  I looked at the fuses and they don't seem to be blown.
    Any ideas?  Here are pics of the ballast and cord plug ins.
    Thanks,
    Jason
    [​IMG]
    [​IMG]
     
  2. Dec 3, 2009 #2
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    I would open the box up and check the capacitor, there are a bunch of sites that tell you how to test a capacitor using a volt meter, you just gotta goggle it.

    Good luck!
     
  3. Dec 3, 2009 #3
    nuccatree

    nuccatree

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    It sounds like a dirty connection between the ballast and the cord plug. Inspect for any corrosion on either the plug or outlet. You will have to take the cover off the ballast to see the outlet section on the ballast. It could also be a broke outlet inside the ballast which would be a good thing to open it up and inspect it since it could case a bit of a fire hazzard. NIce thing about electric it ON or its OFF. Just dont check it without protection and a good tester.
     
  4. Dec 3, 2009 #4
    Waverz

    Waverz Expert Reefkeeper

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    Had to read your post again, sounds like a bad connection. Should be an easy fix at least.
     
  5. Dec 3, 2009 #5
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    I removed the houseing. Things inside are pretty clean. With the cord unplugged, the wires to the outlet for the plug are hot. When I plug in the cord, the wires no longer light up my tester. Not sure beyond that??? AHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  6. Dec 3, 2009 #6
    xroads La Porte City, IA

    xroads Veteran Reefkeeper Vendor

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    Hey Jason,

    I think your problem will be a bad ballast. I talked to some people about them & the newer ballasts from China have been failing 1 in 3 within 6 months.

     
  7. Dec 3, 2009 #7
    nuccatree

    nuccatree

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    at that point, I think I would have to agree about the failing unit. bummer
     
  8. Dec 3, 2009 #8
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    Well, time to quickly shop for a replacement. Yippee! Always something.
     
  9. Dec 5, 2009 #9
    Cybball

    Cybball Inactive User

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    Alright. Got my new ballast from Bella (Thanks). The ballast fires my good side on the tank. When I hook up the "bad side", no power goes through the cord to the mogul. Could this be bad wiring, the male end plug that goes into the ballast? I now know I'm working with something either in the cord or the mogul. The bulb does work (tried it).

    Any clues? Simply replace? If so, where is a good place to get a cord with a male end / mogul??
     

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