Ballast problems

[saltydad]

My Coralife electronic ballast doesn't seem to be sending current to 3 of my four compact fluorescent bulbs. Any idea what the problem might be, and can it be repaired?

 

[sign guy]

how old is the unit and where the lights working befor hand?

 

[saltydad]

I'm not sure how old the unit is, could be 5 or more years old. The lights were working until just recently.

 

[mscarpena]

Not to try to feed off of your broken equipment, but I have 4 spare coral life ballast(65 watt) sitting around. I would try looking at the wiring and make sure there are no issues there. There are 4 seperate ballasts, but they are wired in sets of 2's. So it's either wiring or 3 bad ballasts. Did all ballast stop working at one time or did they all go out at once. All out at once would probably indicate wiring. Good luck.

 

[saltydad]

All three went out at the same time. Is this a repair that a novice could do, or do I need to take it to a shop?

 

[saltydad]

Also, I'm not sure this is related, but I replaced all four of the bulbs just a few weeks earlier.

 

[saltydad]

Anyone?

 

[jonthefishguy]

If you tell me the ballast part number, I might have one in stock I can sell you.

 

[mckaax]

Slowly take it apart. You will see on the inside that there is wiring to 4 different ballast. Keep your eyes open for any wiring that is burnt. I am guessing that if 3 went out all at the same time you have burnt wires in there. Be sure to unplug it while you are working on it. Don't waste your money, you can fix it your self, all you will need is some wire ties and black tape.!!! Then again it might be bad ballast and if so I am sure Jon can hook you up.

 

[saltydad]

Thanks, guys. I opened the housing for a better look, and I didn't see any burned wires. I suppose, then, I'll need four new ballasts. I'll get the part numbers tomorrow and if Jon is still willing and able I'll order them from him--or mscarpena, maybe?
Thanks again!

 

[notsonoob]

Also check the bulb fittings.
If you are going to do some maintenance you might as well completely inspect everything. Maybe replacing the bulbs you knocked a wire loose in the bulb fitting.
It's a stretch, but I was a plant electrican that spent alot of time fixing florecent fixtures.
This way you don't have anything to kick yourself over afterwards.
Were the bulbs rated for the ballasts? Sometimes the wattage might be different or the ballasts are rated different for the bulb startup requirements.
Even the simple difference of bulb can make your ballast useless! One time some penny pincher bought cheaper energy rated bulbs...well, I replaced a lot of ballasts.