How to Repair Metal Halide Ballasts

Metal halide ballasts are electrical ballasts used to light metal halide lamps. The ballasts regulate the current flow of electricity to transmit the correct voltage to the arc. Metal halide lighting fixtures are used for various types of lighting including security lighting, greenhouse lighting and other lighting needs around the home. The ballasts often last a long time. However, they are bound to get faulty occasionally.

Step 1—Determine the Problem with the Ballast

Check and confirm that it is the ballast that is faulty, and not your light fixtures. Test the light bulbs from suspected ballasts by transferring them to different light fixtures. If the bulbs work, then you will confirm that indeed the halide ballast is faulty.

Step 2—Repair the Ballast

Turn off all power from the source to ensure maximum safety during wiring. Using the wire stripper, strip the wires on your new metal ballast, ¼ to ½ inch. You should also strip the plug or house wires, depending on what you are using. After exposing the wires, connect them matching the colors. Use the screwdriver to screw the wire nuts onto the wire connections and then test to see that the light is working. Wrap the wire nut connections aptly using the electrical tape to protect them from moisture. After testing once again that the light is working, replace any previous covers.

Step 3—Fixing Metal Halide Light Fixtures

Metal halide lamps emit a lot of heat. Their temperatures may go up to 2000 degrees. You should therefore locate them in an area that is free of heat-sensitive items. The lamps must also be out of the reach of children. Place lights for external use high up on poles while those used inside the house should be on the ceiling. Ensure that you leave ample space through which heat will escape to prevent the light bulbs from overheating. On lighting up the metal halide ballast lamp, it often takes a few minutes before it reaches its full lighting capacity. This slow uptake is because of the gradual rise of the ballast temperature until it reaches its maximum level.

Step 4—Maintaining Metal Halide Ballasts and Fixtures

Proper maintenance will ensure that your halide ballasts last a long time. After replacing ballast that had burnt out and burned the socket in the process, it is advisable to replace the socket as well to avoid the risk of damaging your new metal halide ballast. Make sure you use the correct light bulbs according to the ballast rating. Metal halide lamps that are lit continuously are advisably turned off for 15 to 20 minutes once a week to allow them some time to cool. During this time, also inspect for any lamps that are not in good condition for replacement.