In Case of Electrical Difficulty: Troubleshooting HID Luminaires

All Gardco and EMCO luminaires are thoroughly tested at the factory prior to shipping. First the units are subjected to a high potential test which subjects all electrical components to an AC voltage exceeding 1000 volts between live parts and dead metal parts. Any weak insulation or "shorts to ground" is detected by this test. The luminaires are then connected to the rated input voltage and correct lamp load and subjected to a performance test to determine if the ballast is operating the lamp within the correct parameters. This guarantees that our luminaires are in working order upon leaving our factory.

But what if you are on tthe jobsite and you encounter difficulties? Please go through the following check list:

A. Problem: Lamp Will Not Start

1. Is power applied to luminaire?
2. Is lamp seated in socket properly? (See Paragraph #2 under Item C.)
3. Is lamp of correct wattage and type?
4. Is lamp defective? Try lamp known to be in operating condition.
5. Check lamp markings and determine if lamp is intended for burning in the position in which it is being used, i.e., vertical or horizontal.
6. Is photocontrol functioning properly (if used)?
7. Does voltage measured at socket agree with the minimum required indicated in chart?
8. If no voltage appears at the lamp socket, check supply wire connections.
9. Check voltage at supply connections. Is it within +/-10% of rated fixture voltage?
10. Open luminaire and determine If all connections are secure.

B. Problem: Irregular or Difficult Lamp Starting

Numerous causes could exist here. We suggest that under A above, Items 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and 10 be checked. Ballasts are designed to start lamps at temperatures down to minus 20°F. In some rare instances, outside temperatures could be a problem in certain areas.

C. Problem: Lamp Cycles
This condition Is evidenced by the lamp repeatedly warming up, then extinguishing, then warming up again.

1. Check under A above, Items 2, 3, 4. 5. 6, 7, and especially 9.
2. If 175 watt or 400 watt Super Metalarc lamps are used (Horizontal Lamp Luminaires only), it is imperative that the arc tube be positioned so that the arc polnts vertically upward with the luminaire in the installed position. Should the arc tube be over 4° in elther direction, lamp cycling will very likely result. This lamp Is provided with a stop-pin located on the screw shell which engages a notch on the screw shell of the specially constructed lamp socket provided. This notch will be an the left side (9 o'clock position) when standing looking into the mouth of the socket with the luminaire in its installed position and viewer standing erect on a ladder or other support.

Should the luminaire still not operate correctly after checking the above items. report the problem to the distributor through which the luminaire was sold.