Metal Halide Bulb Turning Black! Help!

[braeden.cyra]

I just received my replacement bulb for my 250W DE Metal Halide yesterday. I put the bulb in and it seemed to be working fine, but I came home from school today and noticed that the tank was considerably dimmer than yesterday. I then unplugged the light, waited about an hour and took the bulb out and noticed that it was turning black. Is this normal??? I attached a picture.

Thanks in advance!

 

[drew2007]

Not normal. Looks like that bulb is about done. Id contact whoever you ordered from and ask for a replacement. Did you touch the bulb itself?

 

[braeden.cyra]

If your talking about the glass part then ya I did. Is there something wrong with that??

 

[drew2007]

where the actual bubble is, where it lights, you cannot touch with your bare hands. The oils from ur fingers get on the glass and cause it to overheat and burn out. your only supposed to touch the ends of the glass or wear clean rubber gloves.

 

[braeden.cyra]

Well that sucks. I'm new to this and I had noooo idea that that would happen.

 

[drew2007]

Well that sucks. I'm new to this and I had noooo idea that that would happen.

Well now you know. Try and get a replacement from whereever you ordered from. Obviously dont mention that u touched the glass. When i used to have halides i would wear white powderless surgical gloves and still hold it on the ends just to be safe. Never had an issue.

 

[calveezzzy]

Problem solved. Yes, the oils on your fingers and hands will heat up and blow up the bulb. Next time when you get a new bulb, if you do touch it with your bare hands again, make sure to wipe the bulb down with RODI or alcohol to remove the oil.

 

[Tennsquire]

Obviously dont mention that u touched the glass. QUOTE]

Why? It's not the bulb manufacturer's fault, or the seller's. I agree that it's an expensive hobby, but there's still something to be said for personal responsibility. Besides, do you really think they don't know what a bulb that's been touched looks like?

 

[drew2007]

Obviously dont mention that u touched the glass. QUOTE]

Why? It's not the bulb manufacturer's fault, or the seller's. I agree that it's an expensive hobby, but there's still something to be said for personal responsibility. Besides, do you really think they don't know what a bulb that's been touched looks like?

Everyone deserves a little break every now and then. It was an honest mistake. Just trying to help him out. Now he knows for the future.

 

[braeden.cyra]

Thanks for the replies everyone, I for sure know for next time.