T5's Won't Turn On, Unless I Unplug Them

Paradiddle7 · 09/09/2010, 10:31 AM

I have an IceCap 660 running 4 54w T5's and the lighting outlet is controlled by my Aquatronica controller. Everything has been working fine for a year and now all of the sudden, my controller can't turn on my T5's, BUT if I then unplug the ballast (which is hooked up via extension cord to my AT outlet bar), and plug it back in, the lights turn on fine.

I'm waiting on replacement bulbs to see if that has any affect, because I need to replace them anyways, but could this be my ballast or my controller too?

theatrus · 09/09/2010, 11:20 AM

The IceCaps enter a protection mode when they detect a fault by turning off. You can only reset them by unpowering and powering them back up. There shouldn't be an issue with the controller turning them on and off.

Do the lights flicker when turned on by the controller?

Paradiddle7 · 09/09/2010, 11:29 AM

Thanks. So, why do the lights turn on if I unplug the ballast and plug it back in? Why isn't it detecting the same fault and turning off?

Also could the fault be caused by old bulbs?

09/09/2010, 10:31 AM	#1
Paradiddle7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Amherst Posts: 797	T5's Won't Turn On, Unless I Unplug Them I have an IceCap 660 running 4 54w T5's and the lighting outlet is controlled by my Aquatronica controller. Everything has been working fine for a year and now all of the sudden, my controller can't turn on my T5's, BUT if I then unplug the ballast (which is hooked up via extension cord to my AT outlet bar), and plug it back in, the lights turn on fine. I'm waiting on replacement bulbs to see if that has any affect, because I need to replace them anyways, but could this be my ballast or my controller too?

09/09/2010, 11:20 AM	#2
theatrus 100-mile-commuter Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: almost nevada Posts: 4,721	The IceCaps enter a protection mode when they detect a fault by turning off. You can only reset them by unpowering and powering them back up. There shouldn't be an issue with the controller turning them on and off. Do the lights flicker when turned on by the controller? __________________ Custom electronics purveyor. blueAcro.com Current Tank Info: 90g SPS+mixed reef (10 yrs): LEDBrick LEDs, 40g custom sump, Ca reactor, chiller, Vortech, lots of custom electronics

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09/09/2010, 11:29 AM	#3
Paradiddle7 Registered Member Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Amherst Posts: 797	Thanks. So, why do the lights turn on if I unplug the ballast and plug it back in? Why isn't it detecting the same fault and turning off? Also could the fault be caused by old bulbs?