Question for you electricians

MJT82 · 12/18/2006, 10:00 AM

As a little "experiment" I attempted to replace the ballast in my 2x65W compact fluorescent fixture with a MR-192 ARO Electronic PC Ballast like they sell at hellolights.com. I am not "electronics ignorant", but I'm no expert either

, so my question is, how can I use my multimeter to test the ballast and see if it is working properly?

jeffbrig · 12/18/2006, 10:07 AM

Honestly, I'd just plug it in first and see if it lights up. In theory, you could attempt to read the current being drawn by the ballast, but that requires a modified plug, as the current has to be fed through the meter (unless you have a clamp-on meter). Or, you could read the voltage on the bulb side, but the electronic ballast will probably realize there's no bulb and shut down before your meter gives you a reading.

BurntOutReefer · 12/18/2006, 11:53 AM

"Or, you could read the voltage on the bulb side, but the electronic ballast will probably realize there's no bulb and shut down before your meter gives you a reading."

I'm not a genuis either...but can you explain how this (above quote) would happen? I didnt realize ballasts had sensors in regards to bulbs being there or not.......

jeffbrig · 12/18/2006, 12:15 PM

It is my understanding that electronic ballasts "read" what's going on with a bulb when they attempt to fire it. I don't know the exact mechanism (maybe someone else will chime in), perhaps the ballast monitors the current draw of the bulb? This is necessary for the ballast to stop trying to "fire" the bulb, and instead drive it at its rated wattage. From this, I assume the ballast can also detect problems like a missing bulb, a short, etc.

MJT82 · 12/18/2006, 05:08 PM

Cool.. thanks! I am just curious because I tried to fire it with the bulbs that came with the rig, but I'm fairly certain they are no good. I just don't want to shell out $$ for some new bulbs that might be ruined by my little DIY.

12/18/2006, 10:00 AM	#1
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	Question for you electricians As a little "experiment" I attempted to replace the ballast in my 2x65W compact fluorescent fixture with a MR-192 ARO Electronic PC Ballast like they sell at hellolights.com. I am not "electronics ignorant", but I'm no expert either , so my question is, how can I use my multimeter to test the ballast and see if it is working properly?

12/18/2006, 10:07 AM	#2
jeffbrig Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 5,548	Honestly, I'd just plug it in first and see if it lights up. In theory, you could attempt to read the current being drawn by the ballast, but that requires a modified plug, as the current has to be fed through the meter (unless you have a clamp-on meter). Or, you could read the voltage on the bulb side, but the electronic ballast will probably realize there's no bulb and shut down before your meter gives you a reading. __________________ Beware the power of stupid people in large groups..... Current Tank Info: formerly 250g room divider

12/18/2006, 12:15 PM	#4
jeffbrig Premium Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Ft. Lauderdale, FL Posts: 5,548	It is my understanding that electronic ballasts "read" what's going on with a bulb when they attempt to fire it. I don't know the exact mechanism (maybe someone else will chime in), perhaps the ballast monitors the current draw of the bulb? This is necessary for the ballast to stop trying to "fire" the bulb, and instead drive it at its rated wattage. From this, I assume the ballast can also detect problems like a missing bulb, a short, etc. __________________ Beware the power of stupid people in large groups..... Current Tank Info: formerly 250g room divider

12/18/2006, 05:08 PM	#5
MJT82 Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Brandon, MS Posts: 410	Cool.. thanks! I am just curious because I tried to fire it with the bulbs that came with the rig, but I'm fairly certain they are no good. I just don't want to shell out $$ for some new bulbs that might be ruined by my little DIY. __________________ Reefing since 2002 100g with 20g sump/fuge - Softies/LPS - 4x54w T5's 30g with 10g sump - Softies/LPS - 4x39w T5's Current Tank Info: 100 gallon soft coral reef with 30 gallon sump

12/18/2006, 11:53 AM	#3
BurntOutReefer Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Granada Hills Posts: 4,376	"Or, you could read the voltage on the bulb side, but the electronic ballast will probably realize there's no bulb and shut down before your meter gives you a reading." I'm not a genuis either...but can you explain how this (above quote) would happen? I didnt realize ballasts had sensors in regards to bulbs being there or not.......