t5 lights blinking sometimes?

[corbett_n]

My 2X24w t5 nova extreme blinks on and off every second or so. Sometimes it comes on and stays on. Could it be the ballast if it comes on sometimes? Most of the time it blinks. I replaced the bulbs and two of the four endcaps. Does the yellow jumper wire need to be inserted into a speciific side of the endcap?

 

[corbett_n]

its driving me crazy

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Sounds like a ballast (ive replaced a lot of T5 ballasts). Pull the unit apart, and check for lose wires. Inspect the bulb holders to make certain they function properly. Most likely though, you will be contacting current for a ballast or doing an upgrade.

 

[corbett_n]

I hooked up a triad ballast and it did the same thing. My connections look like they are perfect. Do endcaps go bad that easily?

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Not really, but if they lose their 'spring' (verb) they can make your lights act odd.

If your up for it, cut the wires from the end caps and hard wire them to the bulbs (wrap the wires around the bulbs metal tips). If your problem goes away, their you go. If its still their, then either the switch where the power cord comes in is shot or you have a bad ground somewhere.

Their is very little inside these fixtures to go wrong, so dont lose hope.

 

[corbett_n]

I will try that. My ballast is a slimpaq. It has a built in power cord so I can't really see the ground wire.

 

[corbett_n]

I went home and rewired the endcaps and that didn't work, so I put the bare wires on the lamps and they still blink. So, I guess it is the ballast. I wish there was a way I could know for sure it is the ballast.

 

[1DeR9_3Hy]

Hmmm...im not familiar with the slimpaq ballast. They have a pre wired power cord that stops nowhere before entering the ballast?


Im 90% certain its your ballast. The only other possibility is a screwy lamp (ive never seen a bad T5 blink...its either all or nothing, but im no pro...) or a bad ground for the power cord and its cutting out when it arcs.

Give me the measurements on your 'slimpaq' ballast. I have 2 24 watt shin-mao T5 ballast sitting in my house, i could part with one if you wanted to try it.

 

[andrewk529]

if its not the ballasts check the lights how old are they? i've noticed when the bulbs are about to burn out they will blink

 

[corbett_n]

my bulbs are brand new blue+. My concern is that sometimes the lights will come on, and if I cut them off the next time I cut them on they will blink. I just get lucky when they come on. When they are on they burn clean with little flicker. I tried a different wiring harness also. Would a bad ballast sometimes work correctly?
1DeR9_3Hy: Where are you located, and how could I get that ballast from you? I have paypal.