Ballast problems

So, ive been running a Hydrofarm 400W convertible ballast light system for almost a year now, and i check on my girls today and find them in total darkness. Since the light from the power switch on the ballast was still on, i assumed my MH bulb burned out, but after i switched bulbs the HPS bulb didnt work either. So apparently something is wrong with my ballast. I bought this brand new, its run almost a year with no problems, and today its done. Is this common? I would assume most ballasts are supposed to last far longer than a year. Also, is their anything i can do to fix it? The light on the power switch is still on, so the ballast is recieving power, what could the problem be?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Also, if i have to buy a new ballast, will another hydrofarm 400W convertible of a different model still work with my bulbs and hood?

I would remove every connection including the bulb. Wait a couple of minutes and re connect everything. If this doesn't work and you don't notice any physical damage anywhere, I would go back to where you bought it and inquire about the warranty. If you didn't buy the setup locally, get yourself the appropriate CFL's to keep your plants going. Hope this helps.

sounds strange, PASSTHATSHIT is right, ive had problems and thought somthing had blown, but my kit does require a "cool down" period before you can fire it up again.

i dont mean to sound like an ass, but have you checked your plug fuses? does the ballast have an internal fuse?

what exactly is a hydrofarm 400, a full kit, a ballast, what?

most ballasts are fairly rugged, they shouldnt just break.

capacitors tend to burn out occasionally...call the distributor that sold light to you...they will most likely try to help you out...peace

transfer