ballast rattling

[wheelchair]

I have a 250w hps JB ballast. When I plug it in it starts making this loud 'rattling' sound which gets alot louder when I plug the light in.

The noise stops if pressure is put on the side?

[smithy500]

How old is it?

Have had one start to do that when getting past 3-4 years use i guess over about 5-6 years.

 

Along with that towards it's final days of use, it was giving off a faint electrical burn smell. Took it apart and the insulation and bits were starting to deteriorate and burn.

 

Can't explain why it makes the noise but it might be time for a new ballast.

 

I've a new safer ballast now and it's very quiet.

[wheelchair]

its brand new havent even used it in a grow yet! When I was moving it I could hear something rolling around in there like its a loose screw or something. I might just take it apart and have a look, its okay to open them isnt it?

[Budgiekk]

no dont open it or wire -rewire it unless you know what your doing

 

take it back replace it.... if not under waranty buy a new one!

 

they can run for over 120 hrs a week

 

if there is a fault, u will find it

 

it may just stop.... may smoke and smoulder=fire and tears.

[wheelchair]

Question for those of you with magnetic ballasts what does yours sound like on start up?

[nouseforaname]

hey,

just wondering why your turning the ballast on then pluggin the lights in? have had ballast before that the covers seamed loose and need weighin down to stop vibrating metal sounds.. if somethings loose inside thou would get it checked by a licensed sparky or where you bought it from...

[nitram]

Hi wheelchair,

 

Question for those of you with magnetic ballasts what does yours sound like on start up?

 

I've had a few - most last 3 -5 yrs heavy use (3 - 5) grows a yr.

Start up you will hear a "thump" - thats 'igniters(s)' - the louder the 'thump' the more worn out and older they are.

 

A low pitch (frequency) "huuuu-mmmmmmmmmmmmm" follows continuously (capacitors and resisters coming 'on-line'). This should dissipate to a softening higher frequency buzz then almost silence. ----- >3 mins

 

That is how I would describe it after hearing over 700 million magnetic ballast start ups

 

The longer any of these processes take the older the item.

 

It's cheaper to buy one than to build you own from sourced parts & 400w are $80

Nitty.

[wheelchair]

I opened it up and found that one of the rivets holding down a 'small box' inside the ballast had come off.

Its still got that loud rattling sound but only on start up.

[nouseforaname]

hey,

If you can get a pop rivet gun u could replace it... ofc dont have it plugged in to power while doing it....

[smithy500]

You should just take it back and get it replaced if it's brand new IMO.

It shouldn't have any loose bits no matter what you paid for it.

 

You may have issues replacing it now that you've opened it, many warranties are void if you break the seal and get inside it, but if it hasn't got a safety/warranty seal to show if it's been open it should be easy to get it replaced.