Ballast problems

[city]

I got a bunch of grow supplies from a friend.
so i thought i would test out a 400w MH ballast and bulb that was in the box.
hooked it all up and let it run. It did fine for the first 4 hours. then it shut off. turned back on for a half hour then shut off again. did this 3 times befpore i pulled the plug.
I have never had a light with a ballast before.
has anyone had this problem before? is it the bulb dying? the ballast? how do i test it?
Thanks

 

[BuddyLuv]

The ballast is over heating and shutting off. So like it is on it's way out. That is ok because you buy a 400w digital ballast for about 100 bucks.

 

[4u2sm0ke]

yeah that ^^^^

 

[city]

so there is no possibility its the bulb dying?

 

[BuddyLuv]

no because if it were the bulb wouldn't light. Unless you have the wrong bulb in there.

 

[The Hemp Goddess]

so there is no possibility its the bulb dying?

No, but I never had a ballast work intermittently, either--when mine went out, they just quit working, period. Check all the electrical connections to make sure everything is tight before you give up on it.

 

[4u2sm0ke]

and another thing my friend its not good for bulb to be turned on/off like regular lights..need to be sure to let cool down befor fireing it up again..If you feel cumfortable ..open ballast up..unplugged of coarse..check inside..see if vent holes are blocked..check transormer for heat marks..and I still agree with buddyluv..Digital Ballast $100..Good luck

 

[docfishwrinkle]

:yeahthat: crack case take compressed air blow off everything if appears dusty. dont get crazy & use 120 psi. actually use canned air, no moisture. check all terminals, wiggle wires to see if lose connection. if so repair accordingly. dont use tape. if u must which u shouldnt, def dont use duct tape, it contains metal.

 

[city]

Its the Ballast. Damn. put another bulb in it. wont weven light up now. small purple glow-lol back to flours for a fit to veg. so excited my AK purple Urkle seed just sprouted this morning(mine). 2 ak's sprouted yesterday (wifes)

 

[benamucc]

i had a 400W hps ballast that but was having trouble on startup. traced it down to the ignitor and capacitor in the ballast. $20 htg supply diagnosed over the phone and if it was under warranty would have been free.

good luck

 

[city]

I can jsut get a new capasitor. those arent very much...Ignitor. whats that?

 

[benamucc]

they're also called 'starters' i'm not sure on the theroy, but i think they start the initial 'warm-up' of the bulb while it is coming on. there are wiring diagrams and parts for ballasts all over the web