HPS problem

i have a 400 watt HPS light that has been used for about 2 months now for flowering and today when i went to check on my babies my light wasnt on, the ballast seems to be making a louder than usual humming noise and the bulb is flickering but wont start up even after being turned off for half of an hour it is a 400 watt magnetic ballast with a regular 400watt bulb anyone with any ideas of the problem or how to fix it would be awsome and also anyone that has had this happen and can tell me what to do would be sweet thanks alot MVG

have you tried screwing it in more it may be broken

yea tried unscrewing it and screwing it back in didnt work

does the bulb rattle ?

Magnetic ballast can wear out fast is it still under warranty? Try a new bulb they are only like $20 for a decent not best one but would do the trick.If it wont come on then your igniter is probably bad and the ballast needs service

unplug light, unscrew bulb, bend the little tab in the middle out just a little with a flat blade screw driver. the fire it up and test it out. still have problems check all you electrical connections for the light and including the plug that its plugged into.

magnetic balast should last atl east 5 years if not overheated or dropped. ignitors and capaciotrs, bulbs wear out quicker, low voltage in the house like 100v volts also take there toll on electric discharge lighting.

if the ballast is louder than usual its probably on its last legs so it needs replacing!even if you put a new bulb in it and it worked because the ballast wouldnt be supplying it with the correct power the bulb wouldnt last long!

ballast hum for a number of reasons. they are comprised of layers of steel wrapped with copper wire and laminated. dropping of ballasts,low voltage and heat are killers. the lamination disintegrates and the steel vibrate against its self. Its like a big magnet that is also a transformer, increasing the voltage. and humming along as it does it. if you can hear it outside and insulated 2x6 wall with drywall on both sides then ITS noisey. if you dont like the noise buy a electronic or replace it. a little noise is acceptable , alot wll you have peeps asking questions. put a radio in the room. but what do i know im just a red seal journeyman electrician.

Try a new bulb. You should have a spare anyway.

yea i think the ballast may be fried because the bulb is flickering but just not starting up, it has never been dropped and is in a cool open enviroment so it isnt overheating fuck gotta make a ghetto cfl setup for the last week or 2 of flowering shit balls

Sounds alot like a faulty igniter inside the ballast.They arent exspensive or hard to replace but if its warrantied have them do it.