Testing ballasts

[jroescher]

Is there any way to test a fluorescent ballast without using bulbs? I don't have any working bulbs and don't want to buy any just to see if the ballast is still good.

[BIGBIRD123]

John, what kind of bulbs you need?

[Gseclipse02]

post what kind of ballast some will take multible bulbs

[jroescher]

PFO Enclosed 2-110W Ballast EL2-2 with 2 48" URI VHO actinic bulbs
Inside the box is two INDEPENDENTLY WIRED Fulham Work Horse Fluorescent Electronic Ballasts - WH5-120-L

Specs on the ballasts are:
Maximum Power: 128W
Maximum Current: 1.15 Amp
Operating Voltage: 120VAC
Frequency: 50/60Hz
ATHD: Meets ANSI C82.11-1993
Protection/Overcurrent: Fuse
Protection/Voltage Transients: MOV (PER ANSI C82.11-1993)
EMI/RFI: FCC PART 18-A
Lamp Starting Mode: Instant Start
Regulatory Approvals: UL & cUL Listed Type 1 Outdoor
Class P: Thermal
Sound Rating: A
Ballast Case Size: 1"-Ht. x 1.72"-W x 8.5"-L

I believe the ballasts will drive:
2-54W T5 Bulbs (that's 48" bulbs, right?)
2-55W PC Bulbs
2-96W PC Bulbs
2-75W VHO Bulbs
2-95W VHO Bulbs
2-110W VHO Bulbs


Here's my issue, BOTH bulbs went out.
1 bulb burned up! Glass broke, ends turned black and 1 endcap has melted over the bulb and looks like it might even had some flames. It's really scary looking. The other bulb does not light and the ends turned black. Remember the ballasts are wired independently so I'm not sure why both bulbs are out. Coincidence maybe?

If the ballasts are good, I'm going to replace the bulbs and endcaps with T-5's. I really don't want to buy bulbs just to find out the ballasts are bad and burn up the replacement bulbs. And I don't want to just buy new ballasts if I don't have too. They're expensive and will be a real pain to install in my canopy.

[Gseclipse02]

I believe the ballasts will drive:
2-54W T5 Bulbs (that's 48" bulbs, right?)

(yes)

Here's my issue, BOTH bulbs went out.
1 bulb burned up! Glass broke, ends turned black and 1 endcap has melted over the bulb and looks like it might even had some flames. It's really scary looking. The other bulb does not light and the ends turned black. Remember the ballasts are wired independently so I'm not sure why both bulbs are out. Coincidence maybe?

when end caps go i have heard of them taking the bulbs with them and starting fires .....

also some ballast want both bulbs hooked up in order to run ....

if you want to make a cheap end cap buy some of those yellow but clip from the auto store/Lowe's/ HD open them up with a flat head and they fit the ends bulbs nicely and cost 2$ for like 20

were you located ?

[BIGBIRD123]

John, I have 2 60" VHO bulbs, you are more than welcome to try with.