testing a ballast?

[usirchchris]

I have an Icecap 660-009 ballast. I recently moved two minutes away, and now it will not fire up. I have replaced connectors I thought may be bad. I have done some re-wiring...I have a 3 bulb set up. One independant, and two linked. The independant tries to come on, but the two linked don't try at all. It does not make sense to me that it would stop working after such a short move. Is there a way to see if it is the ballast? I tested the bulbs and they are all good and my connections seem good as well.

 

[gmann1139]

I'm pretty sure if you run a volt-meter across the ballast, you'll see something, but its more of a qualitative test than quantitative.

 

[natclanwy]

To my knowledge you can't test a ballast with a voltmeter, maybe try and send a PM to SCSInet. I would bet that he would know for sure.

 

[robertmathern]

Originally Posted by natclanwy
http:///forum/post/2907505
To my knowledge you can't test a ballast with a voltmeter, maybe try and send a PM to SCSInet. I would bet that he would know for sure.
You can test a ballast with a multi meter. Check the voltege in the end cap and work your way back from there. Once you see voltege you know whats wrong. If you dont its the ballast.

 

[natclanwy]

Here is some info I found on testing flourescent ballasts:
Fluorescent Pocket/Troubleshooting Guide

 

[usirchchris]

Thanks for the responses. I have an extra wire harness. I may try switching that out. Don't know that the voltage meter would work, as I do have the 1 light firing...so this tells me it is running threw, but don't know that this would allow me to pinpoint a specific problem. The article provided stated this... NOTE: It is very difficult to accurately measure open
circuit volt due to the combination of high frequency
and higher voltage required to start lamps with
electronic ballasts. The presence of the voltage can
be determined but the voltage value will probably not
be accurate when using most portable meters used in
the field. The presence of voltage does indicate the
electronic ballast is operating.
Didn't really see a cure all in the article. I really do appreciate the effort though. Think I am stuck with process of elimination. Wires, connectors, if not that the ballast is junk

 

[gmann1139]

Originally Posted by usirchchris
http:///forum/post/2907874
The presence of the voltage can
be determined but the voltage value will probably not
be accurate when using most portable meters used in
the field. The presence of voltage does indicate the
electronic ballast is operating.
Like I said, you'll get a reading, but it will mean nothing.
Originally Posted by usirchchris
http:///forum/post/2907874
Think I am stuck with process of elimination. Wires, connectors, if not that the ballast is junk

Yeah, troubleshooting like this sucks.

 

[usirchchris]

Originally Posted by gmann1139
http:///forum/post/2909937
Yeah, troubleshooting like this sucks.
Indeed it does...I am now wondering if I can use the icecap 430 instead of the 660 (less expensive)...I am not trying to keep corals or anything. Just not positive about the wattage of my bulbs.