by ballast hums but also has a buzzing sound

spookie child

spookie child

Member
I have a 1Kw switchable remote ballast, and I expect a hum from it . But there is also a sound that i can best explain as arcing. Like a static sound . Is this normal?
at the moment i have all my starts under a 70w Mh , i should be ok for a while ,right.
 
fiender

fiender

Well-Known Member
Mine had a sound like that for a while when it was new, but not anymore. I think it was just part of breaking itself in.. If it's not new and this just started happening, then it's probably not good, but i'm not sure. hope this helps

f
 
fiender

fiender

Well-Known Member
couple of grows maybe, the color of the light would change a little too. honestly i don't remember noticing it stop, it just doesn't do it anymore. From my understanding, if the bulbs arent going on and off or anything it shouldn't be hurting them.
 
mr.smileyface

mr.smileyface

Well-Known Member
Check the voltage or switch for mh/hps.
I plugged mine into the wrong voltage once for about two hours. It works just fine but makes a funny noise. Its in a case so if it dies it dies.
My guess would be to open it up and look for damage/ wire burns.
 
fiender

fiender

Well-Known Member
ooo.. I've heard (read) some not so good stuff about htg... i'd check your warrantee to see how much time you have.


it may stop buzzing when unplugged because the ballast is no longer under a load. Also, unplugging and plugging in your light while it is on and hot will hurt your bulb. It should be cool before relighting it.
 
spookie child

spookie child

Member
i had it unplugged when i started the ballast , per recommendation of my electrician friend . I am going to upgrade my outlets today and see if they are the problem , even though i don't really think they are , it makes the same noise at my buddies place . i don't want to open it because of the warranty , so ill just speak with Tony at HTG tomorrow and see what he can do for me . this blows.
 
Medi 1

Medi 1

Well-Known Member
if its an older mag ballast the buzz or rattle is usualy the plates on the core that come loose or the whole core itself has loosend from the case.

smiley...you plugged a 110 to a 220 and it actualy worked...cant see that happening. especialy without blowing shit emedialty
 
Medi 1

Medi 1

Well-Known Member
dont matter new or not. the glue that holds the plates together comes loose sometimes. we get them like this at my shpop all the time and have returns and all we do is tighten screws or bolts and it stops
 
Medi 1

Medi 1

Well-Known Member
hell no..im sayin it needs work. opoen it up and tighten the long tiny thin screws that hold the plates of the core togetehr. then make sure the whole core itself is firmly secured to the case. there is no noob question qwith elctricity dood.
 
spookie child

spookie child

Member
gonna take the 2 or so hour ride tomorrow to the "local" hydro store . have those guys take a look and listen to it , and see what they say . right now all the babies are on T5's i borrowed from a friend and a 70w mh . what a headache. all i want is some good bud.
 
spookie child

spookie child

Member
so the fella at the store listened to the ballast and unplugged it really quick. he says it is something internal that is loose and asked me if i wanted it serviced.i said nope , Tony at HTG is hooking me up with a free upgrade to a digital ballast and a new socket. how great is their customer service.
i also grabbed two bottles of flora nova , grow/bloom for a great price. gonna move everything from dixie cups to one gal bags today , and start with their nutrient regiment .
this will be my final post under this thread , thanks to those who gave me some insight on what my problem might have been .
 
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