checking a 400w ballast

[martin123]

Hi, Ive got a 400w son floodlight controlled by a photocell. The light has stopped working but still has voltage if i cover up the photocell. Ive changed the lamp and it still wont strike up.

How do i check the ballast and ignitor?

Thanks

 

[Lectrician]

Look at them, smell them.

You cant do anything to check the ignitor - it is electronic. Look for melted case, smell, oozing.

The ballast will either short to earth....and pop a fuse, or will go open circuit. You use a meter to test this.

More often than not, by the time you have got a replacement ballast/ignitor, it is cheaper to get a new fitting (unless it is a fancy one). You also get a spare lamp bulb.....