Ballast keeps tripping, HELP!

hey everyone. So I just ran into a annoying issue with one of my IPower 400watt ballasts.

Everytime I turn on the ballast if will run for about 10 minutes, then it trips the internal breaker built into the ballast.

Does anyone know what causes this? I have two ballast running off the same timer. The 600 watt ballast does fine, but the 400 watt ballast just keeps shutting off. I have googled and searched everywhere but I cannot find an answer to my issue. Any input is greatly appreciated!

Sup man 1 question. Are your saying the circuit breaker is tripping due to the ballast? Or is the ballast cutting off but circuit is still on?

GeeTee said:

Sup man 1 question. Are your saying the circuit breaker is tripping due to the ballast? Or is the ballast cutting off but circuit is still on?

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The circuit breaker isn't tripping, just the ballast. The ballast has a internal circuit breaker. Like a surge protecter Or a GFCI outlet And for whatever reason it keeps tripping.

Alright the most likely reason that it's shutting off is because of heat. I believe there's an thermal overload internally and heat buildup is your problem. Did it just recently started doing it?

GeeTee said:

Alright the most likely reason that it's shutting off is because of heat. I believe there's an thermal overload internally and heat buildup is your problem. Did it just recently started doing it?

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That's what I was thinking too, but I shut it off and unplugged it for about 24 hours. When I woke us this morning the grow room was about 61, so I turned the light back on and within 10 minutes it shut right back off. It was still cold to the touch. The bulb is coming up close to 50,000 hours. Rated for 54,000. Could an old bulb cause this?

34,000 hours not 54,000

You might have a short internally. Something probably came loose and now when it's on there's an arc and creating heat is my best guess. Do you smell anything?

Na old bulbs would not mess with the ballast like that not ime anyways

GeeTee said:

You might have a short internally. Something probably came loose and now when it's on there's an arc and creating heat is my best guess. Do you smell anything?

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No there is no smell either. i did just place a new lamp fixture on the unit about a week ago. think that could be it? And sorry about all the questions, I just want to make sure I check everywhere I can before I buy a new ballast. I don't really have 180 to drop on a ballast right now.

Did you try running it not connected to the other by the timer ? ( just to try somthin different )

Cobnobuler said:

Did you try running it not connected to the other by the timer ? ( just to try somthin different )

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Good idea^^ might just be one side of timer that's fucked up. If not did you try to open it up? See if there's anything that looks fucked up?

I am going to try a new plug other then the timer and see if that changes anything and I will let you guys know, I also have a new HPS bulb and timer on the way from Amazon and it will be here Wednesday. Hopefully one of those 2 will fix it.

Well just tried it on a separate plug and same thing, ran for about 10 minutes and shut off.

The initial speculation is likely the correct one. I would guess that you've been using this ballast for a significant amount of time and have never cleaned the inside or even looked at it. Think about how dirty a computer or ceiling fan gets over time. You probly are full of crap on the inside air channels and getting no cooling which would fit perfectly with about 10 mins of passive run time

LordRalh3 said:

The initial speculation is likely the correct one. I would guess that you've been using this ballast for a significant amount of time and have never cleaned the inside or even looked at it. Think about how dirty a computer or ceiling fan gets over time. You probly are full of crap on the inside air channels and getting no cooling which would fit perfectly with about 10 mins of passive run time

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I'll check that out, I never thought out it being dirty, but the ballast itself is about 6 months old. Is 6 months enough time to really clog it up that bad?

I've never opened up an ipower and I have no idea how much dust is in your area but I've seen homes where it could happen in 3 months. If you open it up take some pictures to so we can take a peek too.

How long is the warranty on THE BALLAST........I had a similar problem, WITH a different manufacturer but it came with a 1 year warranty. Sent it for repair/replacement, which they did BUT I had to pay for shipping WHICH WAS A LOT BECAUSE OF THE WEIGHT (1000 watts). The problem was something internal, but I'm not sure what exactly.....

I had the same thing.ballast cutting out after 10 minutes.
Checked everything, contactor, timer, hood etc...
Had to get a safe electrician in....he laughed after 5 minutes in the grow; "It's your bulb"
Sure enough; he was right. Those digital bulbs are smart f**kers.
Don't listen to manufacturer's view on the bulbs life expectancy was the lesson I learned.
Sounds like your problem, I hope so because it's easy to fix

The circuit breaker isn't tripping, just the ballast.

The circuit breaker isn't tripping, just the ballast.