Ballast or bulbs

[mm16]

I have a retro kit of 4 t12 2 ft bulbs. They go on for about 10 minutes then turn off, so I bought a new ballast thinking it was that. Now with the new ballast they go on for about 3 seconds. It is a very high output ballast. Do you think its just the bulbs?

 

[fastrd400]

I would bet on a bad connection someplace.

 

[mm16]

I rewired everything and it still happens.

 

[fastrd400]

If your bulbs are blown, you should see dark/black at the bottoms near the connections.
I had a ballast go out once, but it blew the bulbs every time.
If it bulb lights, then goes out, the bulb should be good. So it has to be ballast/wiring issue.

 

[bjohanson1234]

Are you matching the wattage of the ballast to the bulbs? Flashing bulbs usually indicates a ballast problem. It could be trying to work too hard and is over heating. Also, triple check the wiring. Different ballasts are wired to the lamps differently.

 

[mm16]

It wasnt really flashing it just would go on for a few seconds and go off. I checked the wiring again, also the ballast didnt get warm, and it is the correct size. The connections are all fine, the ballast is brand new.

 

[dschertz]

Do you have an ohm meter? If so check both ends of the lamp. Pull it out and ohm test the ends. Each side should read about 3.2-3.4 ohms.