lighting problems

[meathelmet2]

I have an Ice cap model 660 vho ballast. Right now it is running (4) 4foot NO 40w bulbs. Which according to the book itis supposed to be able to run these with no problem. I had 4 bulbs in the garage from 5 years ago that I plugged in and they only lasted about 2 weeks before 1 bulb blew out, the others had some black spots on the edges so I decided to buy 4 new bulbs. They lasted about 2 weeks before I blew 2 bulbs. The bulbs are mounted in waterproof endcaps.
Eventually I am going to buy the 110w vho bulbs but I would like to stay with the 40w for a while. Any suggestions?

 

[trido]

Most likely, your overdriving them causing them to prematurely burn out. Two week in your case.

My friend was over driving T-5s withtthe same ballast and near the same total wattage as your running and they were only lasting her a couple months.

 

[Anonymous]

Make sure you have them seated properly in the end cap. I ran NO bulbs in my Ice Cap and they were still going strong after 6 months. I used Home Depot bulbs.

 

[meathelmet2]

If I went with one 110w vho and the rest 40w no Would that help? Or do they need to all be the same wattage?

 

[Anonymous]

If I went with one 110w vho and the rest 40w no Would that help? Or do they need to all be the same wattage?

The ballast needs to be wired to the lamps as shown on the Icecap diagram, for the given quanity/wattage of lamps.

See: http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_fluorescent_icecap_660_ballast-ap.html

Louey

 

[meathelmet2]

If I went with one 110w vho and the rest 40w no Would that help? Or do they need to all be the same wattage?

The ballast needs to be wired to the lamps as shown on the Icecap diagram, for the given quanity/wattage of lamps.

See: http://www.marinedepot.com/lighting_fluorescent_icecap_660_ballast-ap.html

Louey

Thanks for the link, that helps me out a lot.