Symptom

Corrective Action

Lamp will not start

1. Incorrect Lamp - Check label on the fixture and verify that ballast type is the same as the lamp. Check to make sure that an enclosed lamp is not operating on an open rated (pink color mogul socket) fixture.
2. Defective HID lamp - Inspect lamp for broken components or try a functioning lamp and replace defective.
3. Incorrect Ballast Voltage Wiring - Verify the open circuit voltage at the socket without the lamp. If voltage is off by greater than 10%, confirm that voltage leads on the ballast match incoming voltage. If necessary rewire to correct voltage lead.
4. Fuse Blown - For fixtures with fusing option, remove fuse and test. If necessary replace defective fuse.
5. Photocell Failure - Turn off fixture and cover photocell eye with electrical tape. Turn fixture on and replace photocell if necessary. If fixture does not turn on then bypass photocell wiring and test fixture again.
6. Defective Socket - Remove lamp and inspect socket screw shell and center contact for damage. Replace socket if defective.

Abnormal lamp operation

1. Incorrect ballast voltage wiring - Verify the open circuit voltage at the socket without the lamp. If voltage is off by greater than 10%, confirm that voltage leads on the ballast match incoming voltage. If necessary rewire to correct voltage lead.
2. Incorrect Lamp - Check label on fixture and verify that ballast type is the same as the lamp. Check to make sure that an enclosed lamp is not operating on an open rated (pink color mogul socket) fixture.
3. Inadequate Wiring Connections - Always use rated wiring connections and check for bad connections. Replace connection if necessary.
4. Variable Input Voltage - Check input voltage during operation, if there is a fluctuation it maybe necessary to remove other electrical loads from lighting circuit.

Delayed lamp ignition

1. Low Input Voltage - Verify the open circuit voltage (refer to pgs. 170-171) at the socket without the lamp. If voltage is off by greater than 10%, confirm that voltage leads on the ballast match incoming voltage. If necessary rewire to correct voltage lead.
2. Defective HID lamp - Inspect lamp for broken components or try a good lamp and replace defective.

Decreased lamp life

1. Incorrect Lamp - Check label on fixture and verify that ballast type is the same as the lamp.
2. Incorrect Lamp Burning Position - Check lamp for specifications (BU-base up, BD- base down, V-vertical, and HOR-horizontal). Replace lamp with the appropriate type.
3. Overheated Lamp - Verify that the ambient temperature rating for fixture complies with it's environment.

Low lamp light output

1. Dirty Environment - Start a maintenance program to regularly clean luminaires with excessive dirt accumulation.
2. Inoperative High-2-LowTM Feature - Listen for relay switching inside the fixture. If light output does not change, check wiring connections.
3. End of Lamp Life - Check maintenance records to verify burning time. If near the end of lamp life, replace lamp.

Color shifting

1. Incomplete Lamp Burn In - Lamp has not operated for at least 100 hrs. to allow for lamp stabilization.
2. Incorrect ballast voltage wiring - Verify the open circuit voltage at the socket without the lamp. If the voltage is off by greater than 10%, confirm that voltage leads on the ballast match incoming voltage. If necessary rewire to correct voltage lead.
3. Using different Lamp Types/Manufactures - If using more than one type of lamp, combine like lamps in groups to blend color differences. All lamps have different color characteristics based on operating specifications and the date manufactured.
4. End of Lamp Life - Check maintenance records to verify burning time. If it is near the end of lamp life, replace lamp.