lights out!!!

[BA]

today when i got home, my light system was out. i have Icecap 440 ballast with four 48inch VHO bulbs connected to it. i thought it was a blown timer or something until, i tried it into many outlets and it would light up for less than a second, and then turn off immediately..whats wrong with it??? thanks guys

[JimD]

Sounds like one of your endcaps might be fried, Id start there. Also, check for moisture around the white connector.

[LoneStar]

Either the endcap connection or one of the bulbs is shot. I had that happen when I bought 2 brand new bulbs. Turned on for a second then off. Bought a third new bulb and it all worked out. Usually its the bulb that DOESN't fire for a second and turns off.

[BA]

is there a way i can tell its the endcaps? or do i just have to buy new bulbs, if thats not the problem then go to the endcaps?

[LoneStar]

Well if you want to look at the endcaps, unplug the ballast, take all the bulbs out, then you can take apart each one and look for burnt areas, or possibly where its not making a connection from the bulb to the wire. If they all look OK, you might look into getting a new bulb(s).

[BA]

someone told me, that if one the endcaps was burnt out, that it wouldnt even flicker on then off, that it would not come on at all, so it is most likely the light bulbs, true??? i think im gonna just replace all the bulbs, they havent been replaced in a while anyway, and hope that is the problem..we'll see

[LoneStar]

Yeah usually if the endcap is not working and creates a open circuit, nothing will fire up. When was the last time the bulbs were changed out?