Current USA lights out

[chazotte]

I got home from work tonight and half my lights were out. Let me explain...

I have a 260w 60" Current-USA light. I actually consists of 4 separate 65w bulbs, 2 10K/6400K and 2 420/460 actinics. The light is set up so that two lights are on one switch and 2 on another. Well, one strip is out. The strip that is out is also connected to the fan so I placed the actinics on that strip since they come on first and go off last.

Anyway, the fan still works, but the lights do not. (Yes, I checked to make sure the bulbs did not burn out, they work in the other sockets.)

Any idea how to fix this or what might be wrong?

Thanks in advance,

Ken.

 

[Candi]

No clue, something similiar happened in my aquapod (another current product) one bulb stopped working although the fan on the same switch worked fine (bulb was fine)... I was still under warranty so it was replaced. I say send them an email, they will probably send you a new ballast.

 

[panmanmatt]

Sounds like a ballast went bad. I'd contact Current and see if they can send you a new one.

 

[mikem]

Bad Ballast.

 

[JohnS_323]

3rd on the bad ballasts. The good news (if you can call it that) is they usually sell them at Trop for like $80 each and are really easy to replace.

 

[chazotte]

Wow...that is good news! I thought I was going to have to buy a(nother) expensive part from someone who's kids I'm not already putting through college. ;D

Thanks all, I'll follow up this weekend.

Ken.

 

[Candi]

Ken make sure you call/email them before you go buy a new one, they are usually really good about sending replacements (pending how old it is)

 

[chazotte]

All,
Thanks for the help. Just to follow up...it was,as everyone suggested, a bad ballast. I guess because I've had the light for more than a year, they did not send a free replacement.

Overall, the customer service department was courteous and quick to respond. However, there is an interesting twist...

The ballast they specified for my 60" light only has enough wiring for a 48" light. I asked if they gave me the correct part number and they said yes. Just in case I got a bad customer service person, I confirmed this with the guys at Tropiquarium (Who were a great help in all of this). When I asked Current-USA what I was supposed to do...their reply was:


Dear Ken -

The ballast you received is our standard sized ballast. The wires can be
spliced and wire nutted back together. If you are uncomfortable doing this
please contact your local retailer or electrician to see if they can do this
for you.

Have a great day!

Take care,

Current USA Customer Service
www.current-usa.com

Fortunately, I know how do do the splices. :-\ Anyway, just though you might like to know.

 

[Phyl]

Have a great day. That's a kicker. Too funny. Glad you were able to swap it out without problem.

 

[chazotte]

Thanks Phyl!

A while ago there was a thread about all the 'things' we've learned since getting started in the hobby. Now I can add electrician to the list. ;D