Hamilton 400w magnetic ballast problems

Dustint21 · 07/05/2009, 12:58 AM

I just tried hooking up the 400 ballasts. 1 of them works great, and the other is having problems. I checked the wiring and they are both the same. I have switched bulbs with the same result. If you turn it on I can here it humming, but only get a tiny glow in the center of the bulb. The good ballast lights both bulbs without problem. Any Ideas what could cause this?

Thanks

Dustin

Stanley-Reefer · 07/05/2009, 06:37 AM

do you have another bulb to try in there-- Maybe a bad bulb. Also check to make sure the bulb is in ther slots all the way. Even though it may look like it is they can go up in there pretty far.

When I first got my Hamilton Reefstars one of the three had a bad bulb that did what you're describing. Low glow arc but no bright light.

Dr F/S had a replacement bulb on my doorstep at 3pm the next day!!!

DarG · 07/05/2009, 08:08 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dustint21
I just tried hooking up the 400 ballasts. 1 of them works great, and the other is having problems. I checked the wiring and they are both the same. I have switched bulbs with the same result. If you turn it on I can here it humming, but only get a tiny glow in the center of the bulb. The good ballast lights both bulbs without problem. Any Ideas what could cause this?

Thanks

Dustin

Are you testing the "bad" ballast on both pendants/sockets? Dont just swap bulbs, actually move the bad ballast to the good ballast/bulb side to make sure it isnt a problem with the socket or wiring with the one pendant/socket.

Dustint21 · 07/05/2009, 11:41 AM

I just tried switching pendants/sockets and they work great on the other ballast. Anyone have any other ideas? Could the one of the ballast components cause this problem?

Thanks
Dustin

DarG · 07/06/2009, 07:33 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dustint21
I just tried switching pendants/sockets and they work great on the other ballast. Anyone have any other ideas? Could the one of the ballast components cause this problem?

Thanks
Dustin

Could be a bad cap ... or ignitor if the ballast is a pulse start or "HQI" which have an ignitor.

Are these new or used ballasts?

Dustint21 · 07/06/2009, 09:41 AM

They are used and I think its the cap. These are probe start ballast. I found this website and I think Im just going to order this. http://www.lightstoreusa.com/product...59-4tap-66.cfm

What do you think?

Thanks
Dustin

DarG · 07/07/2009, 07:07 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Dustint21
They are used and I think its the cap. These are probe start ballast. I found this website and I think Im just going to order this. http://www.lightstoreusa.com/product...59-4tap-66.cfm

What do you think?

Thanks
Dustin

It's far more likely that the cap goes bad than the coil. But obviously an entire new ballast will do the trick. Personally, I would have replaced the caps in both ballasts. But again, new ballasts will work.

07/05/2009, 12:58 AM	#1
Dustint21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ft Hood, TX/ Peoria, IL Posts: 330	Hamilton 400w magnetic ballast problems I just tried hooking up the 400 ballasts. 1 of them works great, and the other is having problems. I checked the wiring and they are both the same. I have switched bulbs with the same result. If you turn it on I can here it humming, but only get a tiny glow in the center of the bulb. The good ballast lights both bulbs without problem. Any Ideas what could cause this? Thanks Dustin

07/05/2009, 11:41 AM	#4
Dustint21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ft Hood, TX/ Peoria, IL Posts: 330	I just tried switching pendants/sockets and they work great on the other ballast. Anyone have any other ideas? Could the one of the ballast components cause this problem? Thanks Dustin __________________ DIY 72''x24''x18'' , 75g sump/ fuge, DAS EX3 skimmer, Tunze PH's, 400w MH's with DIY Lumenarc reflectors Current Tank Info: 200+ gallons

07/06/2009, 09:41 AM	#6
Dustint21 Registered Member Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Ft Hood, TX/ Peoria, IL Posts: 330	They are used and I think its the cap. These are probe start ballast. I found this website and I think Im just going to order this. http://www.lightstoreusa.com/product...59-4tap-66.cfm What do you think? Thanks Dustin __________________ DIY 72''x24''x18'' , 75g sump/ fuge, DAS EX3 skimmer, Tunze PH's, 400w MH's with DIY Lumenarc reflectors Current Tank Info: 200+ gallons

07/05/2009, 06:37 AM	#2
Stanley-Reefer Registered Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Stanley, NC Posts: 1,933	do you have another bulb to try in there-- Maybe a bad bulb. Also check to make sure the bulb is in ther slots all the way. Even though it may look like it is they can go up in there pretty far. When I first got my Hamilton Reefstars one of the three had a bad bulb that did what you're describing. Low glow arc but no bright light. Dr F/S had a replacement bulb on my doorstep at 3pm the next day!!!