how do I test and diagnose problems with my CF lights?

[mfp4073]

I have 2 units here, one a single 18w and the other a single 36w. They stopped working at 2 completely different times (just to rule out lightning strike or other related problem). My question is, where do I probe with a volt meter and what numbers am I looking for? The CF bulbs have 4 prongs, are they run in series or parallel? and which leads should I test together? My 36w unit has slip on pins (female wire leads, not a socket) that fit onto the bulb. 2 are white and 2 are red. Is one color ground and the other hot or are the reds and the whites individual circuits?

36w is a jbj
18w is an odysea

Thanks!

 

[sfarid123]

You probably need to change your ballasts assuming you have no built in fuses in your fixture. I had a similar experience when I had my CF fixture.

 

[mfp4073]

Anyone have any info or know how to test? Looking for stuff like "apply probe to pin 1 and 2 and you should see 300ma of ac dc power... HELP!

 

[GTriever]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=15522678#post15522678 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by sfarid123
You probably need to change your ballasts assuming you have no built in fuses in your fixture. I had a similar experience when I had my CF fixture.

Hmmmm... I think I'd be checking the lamps first. Ref checking the ballasts, what do the wiring diagrams show?