Icecap MH ballast trouble.

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akunochi

Mr. Reckless
Joined
Apr 3, 2009
Messages
2,053
Location
puyallup
I have a 250W Metal Halide ballast. The light comes on...turns off.....comes on....turns off......about every 15 minutes.
 
How old is the ballast? If it's past it's warranty, you might still be able to send it to icecap and they can refurbish it.

I've never had an icecap, but it sounds like it is tripping off from heat. Try putting a fan on it to see if that makes a difference.

On a side note, is this hooked up to a timer? Try plugging the ballast in direct. It could be the timer messing up as well.
 
I have plugged it directly into the wall. I took the ballast endcaps off and the white wire to the pendant looks like it was burnt inside. I am going to call Icecap on Tuesday. Trying to do a USPS insurance claim on the bulbs that they crushed right now too....it never ends LOL.
 
The wire looks burnt? Was it touching the reflector? It may just be from heat off the reflector in which case you can just snip that section of wire and make sure it doesn't touch the reflector. If it wasn't, it sounds like the ballast may be sending too much juice out for the wire and it go hot. Either the gauge of the wire isn't right or something is messed up with the ballast.
 
Yes the white sheathing is brown, like the wire caught a surge. No this is the wire INSIDE the ballast, on the output side. I am waiting for Icecap to open up on Tuesday and hopefully it is under warranty. I'm not sure what would cause a manf. wire to burn...

I went through the wiring again the best I could. The ballast is running directly into the wall. Right now it is on, but flickers from time to time.

Thanks for the help though mate.
 
Last edited:
OK so I redid the wiring connectors from the endcaps to the ballast using but connectors. I removed the old school splice (twist together) and shrink tube. So far the light has been on solid since my last post.....we'll wait and see. If it works I'll report back.
 

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