Fixture issue no lights..

[KathyC]

Got my new T 5 bulbs last night, working on changing them out.
I was aware that I had 2 out of my 8 bulbs out, but had thought it was the bulbs.
The set up is 3 retros - they are working fine.

The issue is with the 5 bulb Aquactinics fixture..
One cord powers the bulbs in the 2nd & 4th position
One cord powers the bulbs in the 1st - 3rd & 5th positions

The 3rd & 5th position bulbs are not lighting - where do I look for the issue..and what issue am I looking for?

I can assume it is not the ballast since the bulb in the 1st position is lighting? - correct?

I did check the bulbs themselves - and they are working.

:help: I need to get this thing back together tonight

 

[Cibo]

In the past I have had problem with the ends that the t5 turns into it seem like I had to change them along with the light every year.

 

[fishman1069]

I'm not that great with this type stuff but maybe check the wire connected at the end caps. I don't think it would be the ballast, like you said the one bulb is working, but I could be wrong.

 

[qy7400]

Only way to rule out the ballast is confirm the bulb in slot 1 is on the same ballast and wired with the 2 that are out. IIRC they used workhorse ballasts that only powered 1 or 2 lamps.

 

[duke62]

check your end caps Kat.that was always my problem when i had t-5s

 

[Jzhou]

I agree with the end cap idea.

 

[rambler67]

It could be the end cap or the ballast if its 2 bulbs out it could have a bad leg on one of the ballast.

 

[KathyC]

Only way to rule out the ballast is confirm the bulb in slot 1 is on the same ballast and wired with the 2 that are out. IIRC they used workhorse ballasts that only powered 1 or 2 lamps.

How could the one single bulb light if it wasn't on the same ballast as the other 2 that are out? (I didn't have the 2nd cord that lights the other 2 bulbs plugged in when I tested it.)
So doesn't that mean that bulbs 1 - 3- 5 are on 1 ballast - and one cord.
And bulbs 2 & 4 are on the other ballast and the other cord.

I am also assuming there are 2 ballasts - do we know if that is correct?

 

[KathyC]

Thanks for all of the replies guys


For those of you who are suggesting that I 'check the endcaps' - how do you do that?

 

[ming]

Since you know its not the bulbs...

I would first suggest removing the 2 bulbs which aren't lighting up, and then see if bulb 1 turns on. If it does, then open it up to see if that 1 plug is going to multiple ballast. If it is 1 ballast, I never seen them wire in a way it is parallel for T5 bulbs (another words, all bulbs would go out if 1 bulb is missing/burnt out if it is only 1 ballast for all 3 bulbs) My guess is they wired the cord in parallel 2 or 3 ballasts.

Also, did bulb 3 and 5 go out at the same time? If so, those 2 are probably on the same ballast and bulb 1 is a separate smaller ballast.

 

[KathyC]

Since you know its not the bulbs...

I would first suggest removing the 2 bulbs which aren't lighting up, and then see if bulb 1 turns on. If it does, then open it up to see if that 1 plug is going to multiple ballast. If it is 1 ballast, I never seen them wire in a way it is parallel for T5 bulbs (another words, all bulbs would go out if 1 bulb is missing/burnt out if it is only 1 ballast for all 3 bulbs) My guess is they wired the cord in parallel 2 or 3 ballasts.

Also, did bulb 3 and 5 go out at the same time? If so, those 2 are probably on the same ballast and bulb 1 is a separate smaller ballast.

Thanks Ming! Interesting thoughts
Currently putting it back up as it can't be looked at tonight. At worst I still have 6 of 8 bulbs working.

..and no, I have no idea if the 2 bulbs that were out went out at the same time. I only noticed it the other day (with 8 bulbs it's not overly noticeable to my old eyes if something has gone out )

 

[qy7400]

From the quick searches the tx5 has a workhorse 7 for the 3 lamp, wiring diagram http://www.fulham.com/WDpdf/wire8.pdf so could be the wires not seating or corroded in the socket.

 

[KathyC]

From the quick searches the tx5 has a workhorse 7 for the 3 lamp, wiring diagram http://www.fulham.com/WDpdf/wire8.pdf so could be the wires not seating or corroded in the socket.

Thanks Joe :hug:

 

[duke62]

kat the bulbs are like christmas tree ligts.if one end cap is blown its going to effect the other bulb thats on that ballast.try spinnin one bulb at a time to see if it starts to fire.do it to both but one at a time.look to see if the endcaps are spreading or any cracks in it

 

[KathyC]

kat the bulbs are like christmas tree ligts.if one end cap is blown its going to effect the other bulb thats on that ballast.try spinnin one bulb at a time to see if it starts to fire.do it to both but one at a time.look to see if the endcaps are spreading or any cracks in it

I tried that before James
All of the endcaps look great, the wires, everything. I also tried to jiggle all of the different wires...no help.The inside of this fixture is immaculate. It's going to have to get taken apart to check the wiring throughout and the ballasts.

Thanks for the suggestions

 

[duke62]

have fun i know my TEK fixture was a pain in the arse to take apart.if you want some help with it you are welcome to come by and we can figure it out

 

[ming]

From the quick searches the tx5 has a workhorse 7 for the 3 lamp, wiring diagram http://www.fulham.com/WDpdf/wire8.pdf so could be the wires not seating or corroded in the socket.

There goes my theory then

 

[Aqua Pro Builder]

Where is the T5 king from Long Island-he should chime in. LOL

 

[strgazr27]

He doesn't fix them just sings their praises Lol. I'm going with bad ballast. How old is the fixture Kathy?

 

[KathyC]

He doesn't fix them just sings their praises Lol. I'm going with bad ballast. How old is the fixture Kathy?

lol, no idea Bobby, I bought it used and have had it for at least a few years.