puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 and it isn't the bulb.... I have two bulbs running off a dual ballast from PFO Lighting in Vancouver. Model number EL 212. What's the best way to figure out if it's the ballast or the wiring to the lights? puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Switch the lights t see if both work(fire up) if so check the cord next. Last check the ballast with an OHM meter. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Yep, that did the trick. Reverseing the lights reversed the light on. Ballast is faulty, not the wire or bulbs. Does one just replace the ballast at this point or are they repairable? This one is about 7 years old. puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Probably replace it at that age. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 It's repairable. If it's designed to run 2 4' bulbs, it is probably just a Workhorse 7 Ballast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 I'm running a 3 footer and a 2 footer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Open up the white box, and see what ballast it is. It's either a Workhorse 7, or 2 workhorse 5's. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 OK, white box open. The only thing on the ballasts are the stamp of 11010401A. Does this mean anything to you? puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Is there 2 ballasts? Are they the same size? Does it look like the label was peeled off? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Yes, yes and yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 Workhorse 5's. The good news is that they are easy to get. Pat @ SW-Fantaseas has them in stock, or search DIY fluorescent and you should find about 10 online retailers that sell them. Not too spendy either ($40-$50). Bad news is that you will have to do some wiring, but it's pretty simple. Just make a diagram, or take a photo of how the old one is wired. Have you checked all connections? Is the plug lamp cord plug on the ballast a Molex plug? Or is it the hard rubber 4 pin config? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 28, 2009 Author Share Posted May 28, 2009 Workhorse 5's. The good news is that they are easy to get. Pat @ SW-Fantaseas has them in stock, or search DIY fluorescent and you should find about 10 online retailers that sell them. Not too spendy either ($40-$50). Bad news is that you will have to do some wiring, but it's pretty simple. Just make a diagram, or take a photo of how the old one is wired. Have you checked all connections? Is the plug lamp cord plug on the ballast a Molex plug? Or is it the hard rubber 4 pin config? It's a four plug. Black. When I find my camera (kids) then I will take a picture. puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CCR Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 PFO did have some bad switches I would still check. Couldn't hurt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 28, 2009 Share Posted May 28, 2009 It's a four plug. Black. When I find my camera (kids) then I will take a picture. puntific Sometimes those 4 pin plugs get worn out over time, but you already addressed that info. I'm assuming that you have verified that the plug is in good condition. ie: you unplugged both plugs and plugged into different receptacles on the ballast, and the bulb fires. If you need help, I could possibly rewire it for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 29, 2009 Author Share Posted May 29, 2009 OK, here's a picture of the unit. What should I do? What should I DO? puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
puntific Posted May 29, 2009 Author Share Posted May 29, 2009 Thanks for the help. I changed out both workhorse 5s that I bought from SWF for $30 each. Up and running. puntific Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CA2OR Posted May 29, 2009 Share Posted May 29, 2009 I switched bulbs when having issues with my ballast, unknown at the time, and ended up with 2 dead bulbs. I had to replace ballast and both actinic's. My bet would be a ballast issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chewie Posted May 30, 2009 Share Posted May 30, 2009 Thanks for the help. I changed out both workhorse 5s that I bought from SWF for $30 each. Up and running. puntific Sweet! Glad you got it all worked out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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