how long does a lumatek ballast usually last

So I have a lumatek ballast that I think just died...tried to switch from hps to mh bulb and nothing. How long do they usually last for? I think ive only had it for maybe 3 years now. Always running, sometimes 24hrs for vegging.

Obvious question..did you try the hps bulb again? Need to rule out the bulb.

tet1953 said:

Obvious question..did you try the hps bulb again? Need to rule out the bulb.

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thats the same thing i was thinking, but im sure the op has tried this already, but sometimes we simply over look the obvious..

This ballast, at least the newer ones won't fire up a hot bulb.

You need to let them cool down before the ballast will fire them up again to prevent bulb blowout.

I don't know is this is your problem, but it's good to know anyway.

Oh, and of course it is a digital switchable ballast right? I know these seem like stupid obvious questions, but the info is not in your post

Sorry guys. Its not a digital ballast its a purple 400watt lumatek ballast that operates mh&hps. I bought new about 3 years ago from the local hydro store. I tried the m/h then yes back to the hps and nothing...checked plugs and cords. All bells and whistles were good I know my m/h bulb works because I was just running it on a different mh ballast. I just get nothing out of my lumatek400. Is it normal for them to die that fast? How long have others had theres for?

mr. green thumb 01 said:

Sorry guys. Its not a digital ballast its a purple 400watt lumatek ballast that operates mh&hps.

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It is a digital ballast...

and no, it's not normal for the ballast to go bad like that. Lumatek comes standard with a 5 year warranty. Dig out that receipt and get it resolved.

ooo cool thanx ill probably never find anything that has to do with lights or ballasts :-/ atleast receipt wise but i have been wanting a 2nd 600 anyway...

Green...I have a 1000 watt switchable ballast I'll cut you a deal on. I want to switch it out for a 600.

Goes for anyone on here...I have a brand new Sunlight Sullpy 1000 switchable ballast I'd like to barter for a 600 watt HPS or switchable ballast.

WV/VA/DC area here.

To much juice under one hood for me social. Im probably going to get another 600 fuck that pos 400 anyway...If I had a 1000 thats all I would be able to run and I would prefer to spread it out with 2 600's then you can flower at different times for the diff heights.

I know what happened now. I took the ballast apart the thing is fried. One of the wires has the rubber sleeve burnt right off of it. I looked at my plug at the wall and notices the wires were loose in the back, they must have cause a short. I am going to start hooking all my ballast up to a surge protector. Really I dont know why they just dont come with those little gfi plugs or whatever so that trips first instead of frying your shit.

Whatever 400 dollars down the drain.. spent that at a local supply shop for a lumatek 400 with 2bulbs and a shitty hood. Fucking rip off if you ask me. I can get a 600 with a vented hood and 2bulbs on ebay for 240 shipped. Not lumatek but whatever works IMO