T5 light stopped working... Suggestions?

[Mike]

Our 8 bulb t5 light has mostly stopped working. Has 2 plugs/switches. Each controls 4 bulbs, yet only two bulbs are working. Assuming it is a ballast issue, but weird 1/2 the bulbs on one ballast work and 1/2 doesn't. Suggestions on things to try? We replaced all the bulbs and nothing. Besides that my troubleshooting skills consists of smacking it and wiggling the wires, which didn't work.

[alton]

Mike is it a Rapid Start or Instant start ballast?

[kkiel02]

I have a ballast laying around for a 36" current USA light y'all are more than welcome to try. It's somewhere in my garage. You will probably have to take out some bulbs so it won't pop the fuse or whatnot if yours is bigger than the 6 bulb 36" light. I think I also have a 4 bulb 30" t5 y'all can use in the mean time.

[kkiel02]

Text me if y'all want to try any of these ideas as we will be in and out today.

[aquasport24]

Try to re-sit the light, it might not making full contact. That had happened to me before.

[Mike]

Resit the light? Meaning putting the bulbs in again (which we tried playing with the bulbs) or something else I should be trying?

Not sure on the rapid vs instant start question.

Thanks Kevin, I might have an old t5 ballast lying around also. Just did not want to have to take the canopy off completely and try (emphasis on the word "try") to fix it. Not sure about taking it apart. Much too likely to electrocute myself, cause more damage, or burn the house down (or some combination of all three).

[alton]

Instant start is where one lamp can go bad and the second lamp still works fine, rapid start is where if one goes out the second will not work either. The newer Program Rapid Start are the best, Instant start burns lamps out quicker. Also you will need to tear it apart sooner or later so before you get a new ballast you will need to find out if the ballast factor is 1.o or better?

[Mike]

I would say it is rapid start then, although maybe not, since only some of bulbs work. We replaced all the bulbs ($$) and no change.

[jcnkt_ellis]

I had a petsmart 2 bulb fixture that was acting screwy like yours and it ended up being the Starter not the Ballast. Looks like this:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-30-and-40-Watt-Fluorescent-Lamp-Starters-2-Pack-FS-4/100493839?N=5yc1vZc7nm

I'm not sure if your fixture has one, but they are way cheaper then bulbs or ballasts.

[alton]

Mike Crawford Electric Supply on 343 N Weidner Road has 15 in stock, my price is $52.78 if you want to try the ballast? Let me know and I can have them put it on will call for you? I will be here at my office on Wednesday morning if you want to take the fixture apart and replace the ballast?

[Mike]

Thanks so much Alton. We would love your help with it but may not be able to remove the canopy and detach the fixture until Thursday. Is there any way we could bring it to you Friday or over the weekend? We have increased the lighting schedule for the MHs in the meantime....

[alton]

I will be at work on Friday which will make it closer for you. Plus I can fix it while you wait. 5320 George Cooper 78247

[Kristy]

Ok Friday works great! Are there specific instructions I will need for Crawford or can I just stop in and tell them what I need? Thanks again Alton!

[alton]

Crawford is only 10 min. From my shop, so bring it by let's make sure it's the ballast first, if it is I can call them and they can put it on will call