Anyone know how to wire a core/coil MH Ballast??

[Fdfiremedic]

I need help wiring a 175 watt Core and Coil Ballast. I will gladly pay in frags!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let me know!!!

 

[oldreefer76]

I do have wired many, it is actually very easy

 

[itZme]

There are some pretty good drawings over at Hellolights.com. Check this page for all the diagrams you should need. It's pretty simple if you have any electrical experience.

HTH
-- Kevin

 

[oldreefer76]

True Kevin as long as he does not have a multi tap ballast, which can run several different input voltages and aren't always clearly marked

 

[itZme]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=10222337#post10222337 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by oldreefer76
True Kevin as long as he does not have a multi tap ballast, which can run several different input voltages and aren't always clearly marked

Yep, the ones that I had were Advance and had multi-tap wires but luckily they were all printed right on the jacket. I just cut off the wires for 207v, 220v, etc...

I am not saying that it is a beginner project but It's not a totally daunting task. If anyone has any doubt about your wiring skills at all then DO NOT attempt this as the capacitor really packs a punch if you mis-handle it.

 

[Fdfiremedic]

Kevin thanks for sending me that link. I was able to use that to help me figure out how to wire it up on my own. Thanks again.

 

[oldreefer76]

I just looked at the wiring diagram from hellolights and there is a discrepancy on the power cord wiring, the black from the power cord should go to the 120vac on the ballast and the white to the common of the ballast also, the cap lead off the cap should go to the center of the socket and the common to the threaded portion of the socket, it will work the way they have described it.....but it does leave the potential open for a voltage leak back to ground

 

[itZme]

You are right! The common should be White from the power cord and the 120v should be Black. I wonder who drew that up and how long they have been advising people wrong. It isn't the end of the world to wire it backwards but with the saltwater around it does make it a bit more dangerous.

Good catch!

 

[Fdfiremedic]

Yes I did it the way the diagram stated but it didnt work. I called the guys from Advance and they told me the the wires were backwards. In about 2-3 minutes they talked me through the whole setup. Thanks though for the help and link. It was so easy a caveman could do it lol