HPS Lighting will not work

I'm new to this type of lighting, i went out and bought a pre-wired setup. It's the setup you see on the side of a building, it comes with the bulb, the ballast, a casing etc. already wired and together. All i had to do was install a power cord on it which was simple (basic wiring). I had set the light up and was waiting to change the lighting cycle to 12 on 12 off and i went to plug the light in, and it stopped working. No glow, no buzzing from the ballast. Nothing. Please help me, because i need to know whether i should buy a new bulb or just dump that and get a new light. If i get a new light, what would be a good cheap optional light for just a few plants that will grow good? and where could i get this? or should i stick with the HPS etc.?? please help. thank you.

BUMP, need help, need to set up soon.

did the bulb come with the light or seperate? can your return the light (or bulb if seperate)?

-shake

No, the bulb came with the fixture, and it's not returnable, because the warranty is only valid if a licensed electrician installs the fixture. Are there any alternate cheap lighting set ups i could use? or a cheap source to get a good real HPS setup?

Is ur ballast able to switch from 120 to 240? If so u might have it on the wrong one. Check the back of ur ballast.
L8
MJ

$127 for a 400W HPS w/ bulb and free shipping.

-shake

would fluorecent tube lights work good for the flowering?

I don't understand the question. You say you were about to switch to 12 hour time, which would be the HPS corect?, and when you did it quit working? Did it ever work? Did you test it after you got it? What size area are you lighting? What size watt?

Please help us help you, Doc Oc.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hpsfixta

would fluorecent tube lights work good for the flowering?

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Yes, I was about to switch from the vegetation stage to the flowering stage. So i was about to go from 24 hours to 12 hours, and I was going to get rid of the fluorecent and use the HPS for the 12 hour (flowering stage). I had tested the light, and it worked great, then about a week or two after that i went to turn it on and it did not turn on (no buzz or glow) The ballast looks like a small transformer in the back of the light. The size of the area i'm lighting is about 4 feet by 4 feet, and around 5-6 feet for height. The HPS is a 100 watt light. Should I get a new bulb for it or just scrap it and use a whole different system? If so, what kind of system should I use?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hpsfixta

Yes, I was about to switch from the vegetation stage to the flowering stage. So i was about to go from 24 hours to 12 hours, and I was going to get rid of the fluorecent and use the HPS for the 12 hour (flowering stage). I had tested the light, and it worked great, then about a week or two after that i went to turn it on and it did not turn on (no buzz or glow) The ballast looks like a small transformer in the back of the light. The size of the area i'm lighting is about 4 feet by 4 feet, and around 5-6 feet for height. The HPS is a 100 watt light. Should I get a new bulb for it or just scrap it and use a whole different system? If so, what kind of system should I use?

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i gave you the link for a very inexpensive 400W HPS. that's what i would use, unless you want to spend more money. the fluros will work, or your can use them as supplemental lighting with the HPS. even with the 100W HPS you will still be disappointed with your results.


-shake

A good light and good lighting in general is worth every bit you spend on it. You will see much better results not skimping in this department. I would use your Flouros as supplemental lighting like shake said and I would seriously take a look at using no less than 400 wattss of hps lighting. Just my 2 cents anyway.

Alright awesome! Thanks everyone, i'm just going to order the 400 watt setup.

Sorry to repost after concluded. I've ordered a new system through a store in my town.(easier on shipping) However in the mean time, i would like to get this light going. I've done more research on it, and concluded that everything is wired properly. When I first used the light, it buzzed, now it does not buzz; nothing happens. I've tested the power coming out of the socket and it is good (110-120v). Both ends of the bulbs' arc tube are slightly black. The fixture is rated for outdoor, and i used it indoor; could that be a problem with heat? I've only used it roughly 5 times for about 10-20 minutes before it quit working. Also i had it installed to a 2x6 under a staircase, could the vibrations from people using the stairs screw up anything? This certain model does not have a capacitor. How could i test further to find out what could be wrong with this light setup before i buy a new part and conclude that everything is screwed? how to test the started, the ballast, the socket, and the bulb sepertly? Thanks

Got a good multi-meter? Can you test for continuity, if so with what? A test light won't be good enough. A ballast is basically a transformer, but there are many, many types. Can you find a wiring schematic for it? Could be on a cover or just loose in the case. Yes, you can trouble-shoot the components if you have a good grasp of basic electricity. If it's 115V, start at the plug and start tracing out the circuit...it should be a fairly simple circuit. Also look carefully at ALL connections for burning or overheating (discoloration on the insulation or melting). I find as many electrical problems with my eyes as with my meters. Lemme know, I may be able to help you trouble shoot it.
Oh, I guess I should ask...is it running thru a timer and have you ck'd around that? Stoners and electricity.. :icon506: ..the only reason I can do it, is I learned it hi 30 yrs ago...LOL

man I do get to ramblin when buzzed..... :wtf: