Problem with MH starting
 

I have a new set up, electronic ballast etc, when my MH's turn on there is a ripping sound, you know that electrical sound that is more like fabric ripping. Would a poor ground be a likely reason for this or should I pull apart all the wire connections and redo them.... all 15 or so...I have the light fixture grounded to the ballast.... ideas??

Doug

Wow, what an overwhelming response... lol, anyway Yes a poor ground can cause the problems I described. I found that the grounding screw on my ballast was completely stripped inside the ballast box. I found this out when I started it up and saw a little spark travel around the ground. I ended up filing off some of the paint/plastic coating on the feet and used a couple washers and a longer screw and put the ground on the screws that hold the ballast onto the canopy.

Doug

I don't think you should be seeing any sparkling to the ground. This would indicate something is wrong. Do you have the ballast connected to a GFI and does it trip the GFI.

bah you waited 1 day and I am out of town freezing my A$$ off in Ontario
:mrgreen:

Steve