Need Help With Lights

[stgmz]

I have power compact lights from coralife 48''. 1 of the four isnt working changed bulbs and I think its the end cap. You think its a good idea to try to replace it and how is it done?

[gwen_o_lyn]

Is it within the warranty period? You should be able to contact the manufacturer and they would prolly ship you a replacement.

[stgmz]

No ive had for 2 or 3 yrs

[gwen_o_lyn]

Is it the end cap that connects to the bulb? Can you switch a broken one with a working one to pinpoint the problem?

[stgmz]

It connects to the bulb, but i cant take any of the other ones off because i would have to cut the wire that connects to the end cap. So im not forsure thats what it is but thats what i think

[wwest]

I agree with Gwen, Change a few things around to see if you can narrow it down some.

If it turns out to be the connector i would recommend once you have the replacement to solder the new connection in and then get heat shrink tape for the soldered opening. The will insure no water or salt to get into the connection. IMO anyways

[stgmz]

Its weird because the other light that is on the same switch works fine.

[wwest]

Sorry for the delayed post there. lol looks like we posted near the same time.

The end cap that connects to the bulb comes off. It can sometimes be a bear but it does come off.

Are you talking about switching bulbs to see if the bulb is burnt out or changing the end caps that have the wires attached to see if there the problem? Also how many ballasts are in this fixture?

[stgmz]

No problem.

no i was talking about the switch on the outside. I have three switches the one that is hooked up to the broken one will turn on the other light right across from it. and the other to work just fine, so it must be the end cap or maybe not.

the bulb isnt burnt out i did try switching it with the others.

And i dont know to much about ballasts i need to listen to the podcast about them

[stgmz]

Maybe its time for me to just upgrade, but it sucks because i just bought brand new lights

[gwen_o_lyn]

Welcome to TR btw...

[wwest]

OK I'm assuming the three switches are,
1 switch is for 2 daylights, 1 is for the actinics and the other is for Lunar?

Its a pain in the butt, but it i remember right there should be 2 prongs on the ballast for the lights. If this is the case then you might be able to take the fixture apart and switch the end caps. This will tell you if its the ballast or the end cap. but like i said it is a pain!! Coralife make there fixtures somewhat hard to take apart and remember if something is put back together wrong or somehow has a open circuit you can get really hurt from it.

I wish i could help you more bud.

Oh yea Welcome to TR!!

[stgmz]

Thanks for the help I will keep all that stuff in mind.

[CarmieJo]

to TR.

I am not super knowledgeable about lights but I think that if the same switch works 2 lights that there is probably only one ballast. If that is the case and 1 of 2 works then I don't think the ballast is bad. I would be looking at the endcap or a loose wire. Do you have a voltmeter?

[stgmz]

Thanks Carmiejo using a voltmeter sounds like a good way to find out if thats the promblem or not. I dont have one, but can get one from somone so thats what i'll do.

[yazadx]

Corlife's has a 20% ballast failure rate...
My LFS has his distributor send extra ballast to cover warranty issues.

Hope that helps.

Derek

[chaderic26]

I work for a casino slot machine vendor, alot of times when I have a ballast go out in a game It fries pretty good. You might want to give it a sniff to see if you can smell any burnt components. Thats saved me a million times from swapping parts and chasing wires. Imho you might want to use an ohm meter to check for open wires before you risk shocking yourself thats alot of potential on those leads. Also use a good ground when you use the VM. Good luck.