Testing a ballast

I have a lumatek 600w dimmable ballast/light system. It seems my light (bulb) fried and got lodged inside the socket So I don't know if my ballast went bad or the socket just died and fried my bulb.

Any way of testing my ballast without a socket or bulb?

Trying to figure out what I need to replace

Have a multi-meter and know how to use it? Really doubting a socket issue before the bulb. The chain usually breaks on the weakest kink. Digital or EM ballast?

Take it to a local grow shop. They will test the equipment for you and sell you new stuff.

Yes if you dont have a elec tester dont mess with it will knock your ass on the ground. Unplug it and take it to someone to mess with, dont even try to get the base of the bulb out if you are not fam with it.


They are not going to charge you they will just pull the socket, replace the bulb after they test that balast and charge you for parts.


Grow bro Grow

CaptainCAVEMAN said:

Take it to a local grow shop. They will test the equipment for you and sell you new stuff.

Click to expand...

That may be what he's afraid of. But good safe advice.

Best way to test it is with a multimeter. If you don't have one/don't own one, you should just buy another socket and bulb. IF you don't want to do that,only option left is taking it to someone.