blinking bulb

[imsqueak]

My 10k 400w on eballast has blinked off and back on after about an hour twice tonight. I havent caught it quick enough to say that one ballast was hotter than the other at the time it blinked out. The one (ballast) that was off after 5 mins was much cooler to the touch - obviously. It's on the same power strip as the other eballast so it's not likely energy source. They are also on separate timers so that "could be" the problem.

I should keep a journal for maint. but I dont. They are around 6 mos. old. Icecaps are around 1 yr or more old. I likely have a bulb going bad so I'm just using RC as my journal for all to read.

If you have another opinion, let me know.

 

[cee]

E-ballasts have a thermal cutoff switch which removes power when an over temperature condition is sensed. It recovers automatically once the ballast cools. Sounds like what you've got going on. Bulbs typically won't refire after they've extinguished for about 10-15 minutes, so you could also be losing ballast power intermittently. Try swapping bulbs, but I suspect the problem is your ballast.

Dave

 

[imsqueak]

Darn Dave, I thought that too but couldnt bare to put it in writing. I hope to prove you wrong this time... I'll start by switching the timers the balast plugs into ($10/ea).

 

[cee]

Your ballasts should be under warranty. It's not your timers.

Dave