T5 New wave problem

[calvin_orchidL]

Hey all,

My T5 4ft 4tube fixture spontaneously stopped working yesterday. I've checked the bulbs and they're good. I'm suspecting that the ballast has blown; is that typical, considering I've only had these lights for 2 years (12-16 hour cycles, season-variable).

Questions
1. Does anyone know if this unit uses 2 2x54W ballasts, or a single 4 x 54W ballast? I can't find my allen key and it's a snow storm outside, so I can't bust open the thing to look inside. I'm hoping I might be able to rule out the ballast (ie if there are 2 2x54W ballasts, then it doesn't make sense both should screw up at once).

2. One of the sockets is a little broken (i.e. the plastic is a bit chipped) - doesn't seem logical that this should be a problem, but could one broken socket affect the whole lamp?

3. I have these lights currently mounted vertically (will change within 2 weeks...temporary experimental setup). Could this have screwed things up (doubt it)? The only thing that makes me suspicious is that another bank of T8s failed 2 weeks ago.

4. Any other ideas of what could be wrong? I haven't dropped the lights, nor have I exposed them to excessive humidity.

Thanks all

[Ray]

I don't know "New Wave" products, but 2 years seems to be an awfully short life span for a decent ballast. Looking at the manufacturer's site (Sunlight Supply), they come with a 2-year warranty.

It is unlikely that the vertical orientation was a problem. Could it be something as simple as a wire connection separated?

[Gabor]

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

Hey all,

My T5 4ft 4tube fixture spontaneously stopped working yesterday. I've checked the bulbs and they're good. I'm suspecting that the ballast has blown; is that typical, considering I've only had these lights for 2 years (12-16 hour cycles, season-variable).

Questions
1. Does anyone know if this unit uses 2 2x54W ballasts, or a single 4 x 54W ballast? I can't find my allen key and it's a snow storm outside, so I can't bust open the thing to look inside. I'm hoping I might be able to rule out the ballast (ie if there are 2 2x54W ballasts, then it doesn't make sense both should screw up at once).

Are you sure there is two ballasts in there? Is it a T5 normal output then it is possible to run it from one ballast!

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

2. One of the sockets is a little broken (i.e. the plastic is a bit chipped) - doesn't seem logical that this should be a problem, but could one broken socket affect the whole lamp?

Should not effect the performance of the light!

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

3. I have these lights currently mounted vertically (will change within 2 weeks...temporary experimental setup). Could this have screwed things up (doubt it)? The only thing that makes me suspicious is that another bank of T8s failed 2 weeks ago.

Were the T8 fixture plugged in the same socket? Could it be your socket and not the fixture?

Originally Posted by calvin_orchidL

4. Any other ideas of what could be wrong? I haven't dropped the lights, nor have I exposed them to excessive humidity.

Thanks all

Did you check the breaker? Just a thought....

[calvin_orchidL]

Still haven't managed to get an allen key to open it up but will do so tomorrow.

Gabor - I'm not sure there are 2 ballasts - there could be 1 powering 4 54 watt tubes. I'm just thinking it's likely that there is one, because if there were two, then only half the lights wouldn't be working...is that reasonable logic? I've checked the lights in all other sockets in the house that are working, so I don't think it's a fuse/socket issue.

Thanks for the replies - I'll let you know what I find inside

[RJSquirrel]

if you dont have "instant rapid start ballast" in the cold, the ballast will burn themselves up tryin to warm up to start the lamps...older flourescent ballasts will not fire up immediately when they are too cold..so they sit there and burn themselves up tryin to start..sound like these are exposed and too cold

[calvin_orchidL]

Originally Posted by RJSquirrel

if you dont have "instant rapid start ballast" in the cold, the ballast will burn themselves up tryin to warm up to start the lamps...older flourescent ballasts will not fire up immediately when they are too cold..so they sit there and burn themselves up tryin to start..sound like these are exposed and too cold

I have these in my room which never drops below 19 degrees celsius lol... I'm also pretty sure there are rated to fire even at 0C but I'm quite sure that's not the problem. But hey, who knows

I opened the unit up and don't see any loose wiring...ordered a new ballast and we'll see how that works.

[nhman]

I've had these problems with this manufacterer - the plastic holders for the bulbs crack and become dysfunctional and the light ballasts seem not to want to fire up in humidity conditions higher than about 60%.
Temps don't seem to be the issue - at least in my experience with these lights.
I'm switching to another company - slowly replacing the fixtures that have these issues - and don't have the problems with these new fixtures.
I'd have to look back in my records for the name of the new company as it currently is eluding my memory.

[This Side of Paradise]

I had my ballast go after 1 years and half Calvin on the 4X2" version, did you buy it from Bustan?
I replaced the ballast. Pro Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Lutron Dimmers | ProLighting.com will ship to Canada for about 15$.

[Becca]

I can't offer any help other then I have a New Wave 2ft 8 bulb T5 Light Fixture and I have never had any problems with it and I do believe I bought it in 2007 or 2008. Maybe try contacting the place you bought it from and find out about it's warranty. I think it is supposed to have a 2 year rebuild or replacement warranty.

[calvin_orchidL]

Originally Posted by cyberloach

I had my ballast go after 1 years and half Calvin on the 4X2" version, did you buy it from Bustan?
I replaced the ballast. Pro Lighting, Commercial Lighting, Lutron Dimmers | ProLighting.com will ship to Canada for about 15$.

Damn wish I had seen this earlier - I bought one already from somewhere else and I'm getting it shipped to a depot across the border. Ah well

I didn't get mine from Bustan although I discovered that they do have replacement sockets for sale which is awesome because US shipping is outrageous and annoying. I contacted sunlight supply and they say that they've had units fail within warranty, as well as lamps that have been good since manufacturing. Sounds a little sketchy, but they've been good about responding to my e-mails.

Did you replace the ballast yourself or did you take it to an electrician?

RHman - thanks for that info - feel free to post whenever you find out.

Becca - yeah warranty has long expired (got them over 2 years ago)