4 lamp VHO

[falcondob]

I have a 4-lamp ARO VHO ballast running 4-36" actinics. It is running ok, but it is burning out the timers. It also arcs fairly hard when you plug it in, like is drawing a lot of current.

I would think this is not normal, does it indicate a problem? Can it be solved or do I need a new ballast?

Thanks in advance.

[TexasTodd]

Not an electrician, but have you check the amout of salt creep on the wires and end caps? Often causes problems.

T

[falcondob]

Just took everything off and cleaned it. Doesn't seem to make any difference.

[ratboy]

How many amps is your timer good for? One of mine stopped working over the weekend so I got a new 15 amp heavy duty grounded timer from homedepot for ~ 10$. I noticed some of the fancier digital timers were only good for 10 amps if that. My coralvue ballasts lack an on/off and also arc when you plug them in which I expect with such a big draw (and larger initial draw on firing).

[falcondob]

I will check the timer and see if it is 10 or 15. I thought it was 15. That may be exactly what the problem is. Thanks.