Electrical Advice

[makana]

How is the power in your neighbourhood? Any recent power outages or wind storms?

I'm not sure how sensitive MH ballasts are to power fluctuations but I have seen dirty power issues cause all sorts of problems. It is a very difficult thing to track down as well. There is a device called a voltage recorder than is basically tracks the voltage over a 24 hour period to look for fluctuations/surges. Not something most people have laying around.

I am told surge protectors to very little to actually stop anything other than a very large surge. A UPS is supposed to be one of the better ways to filter your power.

[Lampshade]

Another thing to check would be your bulbs. There's the probe/pulse bulbs and each require different ballasts. Something that can be overlooked, and could be why the ballast's are failing.

Here's Everything You Need to Know About Metal Halide Lamps and Ballasts

[Parker]

Originally Posted by makana

How is the power in your neighbourhood? Any recent power outages or wind storms?

I'm not sure how sensitive MH ballasts are to power fluctuations but I have seen dirty power issues cause all sorts of problems. It is a very difficult thing to track down as well. There is a device called a voltage recorder than is basically tracks the voltage over a 24 hour period to look for fluctuations/surges. Not something most people have laying around.

I am told surge protectors to very little to actually stop anything other than a very large surge. A UPS is supposed to be one of the better ways to filter your power.

The power is pretty good, I can't recall the last time the power went out. No lights flickering randomly etc.

[Parker]

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Are these recent failures replacement ballasts, or more old units failing ?

All three PFO ballasts were brand new, and the Galaxy's as well. That's six ballasts total.

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Have you tried testing the supply voltage during start-up ? A voltage drop/low start-up voltage will fry a ballast over time

I tested the voltages after the failure of the first three, everything seemed to be fine, nothing looked out of range.

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Have you opened any units to determine what is failing ? Capacitor/windings

I haven't but I have two most recent failures I can crack open.

Originally Posted by gregzz4

Maybe a dumb question but, are you matching the recommended bulb types ?

I'm running 400W DE HQI Bulbs and Ballasts