Question about an older Hamilton magnetic ballast (175 watt)

cloak · 04/04/2012, 01:13 PM

I don't know how long this ballast has been in service, I got it used and it's been running flawlessly on my tank for almost 3 years now, but recently is starting to make more noise than usual. The "humming" sound seems to have gotten louder. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Does it need to be taken apart and cleaned? I'm guessing there's a cooling fan inside, perhaps it's full of lint? Here's a picture of the ballast to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Any information you can provide would be great. Thank you.

cloak · 04/05/2012, 10:59 AM

bump

alton · 04/05/2012, 11:51 AM

Heat and noise from magnetic ballast is wasted energy. Time to buy a new one.

cloak · 04/05/2012, 12:00 PM

If I had the money I would, but I don't, so I can't. The 4 bald tires on my car takes precedence. Besides, it works fine, it's just the "humming" sound that's becoming annoying. I'd much rather just fix it. Thanks.

04/04/2012, 01:13 PM	#1
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	Question about an older Hamilton magnetic ballast (175 watt) I don't know how long this ballast has been in service, I got it used and it's been running flawlessly on my tank for almost 3 years now, but recently is starting to make more noise than usual. The "humming" sound seems to have gotten louder. Is there anything I can do to fix this? Does it need to be taken apart and cleaned? I'm guessing there's a cooling fan inside, perhaps it's full of lint? Here's a picture of the ballast to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Any information you can provide would be great. Thank you.

04/05/2012, 10:59 AM	#2
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	bump

04/05/2012, 11:51 AM	#3
alton Registered Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zuehl, Texas Posts: 4,460	Heat and noise from magnetic ballast is wasted energy. Time to buy a new one.

04/05/2012, 12:00 PM	#4
cloak Moved On Join Date: Jul 2000 Location: Stockton, CA Posts: 14,854	If I had the money I would, but I don't, so I can't. The 4 bald tires on my car takes precedence. Besides, it works fine, it's just the "humming" sound that's becoming annoying. I'd much rather just fix it. Thanks.