How do I get a ballast tested?

[Beard-o]

I replaced the ballast at the very end of my grow last spring. Brand new ballast, probably ran under a month.

Can't get my HID light to work, so I need to determine the cause, starting with the ballast. Is there anyway to test the ballast?

 

[Tolerance Break]

I replaced the ballast at the very end of my grow last spring. Brand new ballast, probably ran under a month.

Can't get my HID light to work, so I need to determine the cause, starting with the ballast. Is there anyway to test the ballast?

I would look up the running voltage and put a fluke meter to it. If you have an electrician friend, or an electrical supply shop, you might be able to bring it to them and ask to use their meter.

Maybe try youtube?

 

[Lou66]

Hook it up to a working HID and then see?

Testing a ballast electrically is difficult because it has a high voltage spike (dangerous!) to light it and then a lower voltage to keep it lit. You would have to test both to know it's working.

 

[curious2garden]

I replaced the ballast at the very end of my grow last spring. Brand new ballast, probably ran under a month.

Can't get my HID light to work, so I need to determine the cause, starting with the ballast. Is there anyway to test the ballast?

Look for a thermal fuse they frequently go out. Open it and look for a capacitor with a bulging top. Check the cord (use a Fluke meter or swap for known good if you have one). Hope that helps and best of luck figuring it out.