PC actinic light flickering?

[ser_renely]

Does this typically mean my light bulb is on the way out, or anything more?

 

[MalHavoc]

could be the bulb. May also be a loose connection in the end cap. Have you tried taking the bulb out, cleaning the contacts, and putting it back in?

 

[ser_renely]

no I have yet to do that. what should I clean with? Alcohol?

I have a an outer orbit 2x 130w pc and 2x 150w MH. Only one of the PC bulbs is flickering. I think they run off the same ballast?

thanks

 

[MalHavoc]

rubbing alcohol, maybe some very fine steel wool if you notice any corrosion. If you notice corrosion, that's not great, either, since it may indicate that salt spray is getting inside the end cap.

 

[ser_renely]

thanks

 

[Psychographic]

While researching my switch from PC's to T5's, I had mentioned to a Tech's at one of the larger online stores that I was not happy with my actinics and this was my reason to make the change.

He asked if my Actinic PC bulb flickered slightly. I figured he was going to tell me the bulb was on it's way out, instead he informed me that a "true" PC Actinic bulb will do this, if it does'nt, chances are I had not purchased a real actinic bulb.

I was informed that it would not flicker on and off, but a slight flickering along the length of the bulb, sort of like a veining pattern that you see when a normal fluorescent bulb is dieing out.

I cannot tell you if this is fact or not, but thought I would pass this on to you,

 

[ser_renely]

thanks for the info, this is an on/off flicker cleaned the pins, not really any corrosion or anything. Gonna switch the 2 bulbs and see if it continues... bummer, since I don't have a spare.

 

[ser_renely]

well it seems to only be that side, and not the bulb.

What would that mean? wiring? ballast?

 

[ser_renely]

omg, I am an idiot.... I found the problem, The plug had slightly come out, like an 1/4 inch,