Need Ballast (Advice)

[Snookie]

My MH ballast(s) died. It's a PFO light with Advance magnetic ballasts. I don't mind bucking up for something better but all those wires scare me. I don't want to burn the house down. Can I replace these POS ballasts with electronic---maybe Ice Cap? What are my options and best price (goes without saying)? Do RC members get a discount at Hello Lights or elsewhere? I bought the fixtire at Marine Depot.

 

[dweakl01]

I think Hellolights has a coupon code RC10, or something like that, for RC members. Good for 10% off your purchse.

 

[Sanjay]

What wattage are the MH ballasts.

As you can see in the picture, there are 2 MH core coil ballasts in there, with one F-can ballast. I am guessing that the F-can ballast drives some VHO of FL lamps.

Can you tell us what exactly is happening. ? Is there no power to anything ? Is it partially working. ? Are they both not working ?

Its hard to try to pin down what could be wrong without more details of the symptoms.

sanjay.

 

[Snookie]

Sanjay, the long ballast drives the VHO's and those two upper ones are MH's. The light are 250w. For a while, they sounded like a small engine running. One light really doesn't light at all and the other one should be brighter. I tried different bulbs with the same result so I know it's the ballasts. They are about 2 1/2 years old. I did not have them very well ventilated and I wonder if that killed them. Thanks for any help!

 

[Sanjay]

Ok.. so its the MH ballasts. Usually, the capacitor is what craps out. Its the white cannisters in your picture.

I would try to replace them, you should be able to find them in any electrical supply store. They are not expensive. I would replace them first and see if things work OK.

sanjay.

 

[Snookie]

Thanks! That beats $115.00 each for two Ice Caps!:eek2:

 

[Snookie]

Phooey! The capacitors are $72.00 each and have to be ordered. I checked 3 places-none had them in stock and Hite Lighting could get them for $72.00 each! I'm just going to buy new ballasts (and capacitors). :mad2:

 

[Sanjay]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=8050473#post8050473 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by Snookie
Phooey! The capacitors are $72.00 each and have to be ordered. I checked 3 places-none had them in stock and Hite Lighting could get them for $72.00 each! I'm just going to buy new ballasts (and capacitors). :mad2:

Well. i don't see them listed at that high a price on PFO's page.

http://www.pfolighting.com/ProductList-26-0-Capacitors.And.Ignitors.html

sanjay.

 

[Snookie]

Sanjay, thanks! Man, IT REALLY PAYS TO SHOP AROUND. :eek2:
Just placed my order---$35.00 for 2 shipped to the door from PFO. Might not be here for a few days but I can limp along on my VHO till then. You just saved me $117.64 with tax. Thanks again.