M.H. ?s

[fkdenton]

I just got a hamelton 175w M.H. pendant in trade from a guy. I bring it home a start it up and it flickers and starts and then goes out 30 seconds later and wont come back on. The ballast sounds and feels like its working. The bulb doesnt look blown but it has a little black like part on the side. Any ideas. I dont have another bulb to test.

Thanks

 

[DrBDC]

Since it's always good to have a spare bulb, that would be an idea. Chad has a bunch of used bulbs I noticed down at Gateway with the use amount written on the side of the boxes and not too bad in $$.

 

[fkdenton]

The guy swore the bulb was only like 3 months old.

 

[DrBDC]

Sometimes just the right bump or anything could do it though. Even in the ballast and wires it could possibly jar something or ?? All my halides have developed a little black spot though.

 

[fkdenton]

I have tried several times since then and the same thing happens. I plug it in and turn it on. It lights up and flickers lighter and brighter for 30-45 seconds than goes out. The ballest is still running just the bulb goes out.

 

[Hobbes8017]

I would take the light to Gateway and see if they can try a different bulb for you. If it fires up, buy the bulb right then. IF it does not fire a different bulb, time to get hold of the guy you got it from.

 

[bkh24]

check to see what the voltage is supposed to be. If a MH ballast is not getting the right voltage the capacitor will fire the bulb but the lack of voltage will cause the bulb to go out after a few minutes..

 

[fkdenton]

Ok, I think I have got it working now. It apears to be a loose wire. Would it be a problem to just get rid of the pendant and wire to one of those spider socker/reflectors?

 

[DrBDC]

Nope, just cut it off (unplug it first! :lol: ) and wire it to the other socket.