I just finished building my growbox and was very frightened to find out that my 400 w mh/hps light only works sometimes. I notice when it does work, the ballast makes noticable clicking sounds that you can hear from about a foot away. When it doesn't work, the ballast just continuosly makes a buzzing sound and no clicking. So my question is could it possibly be the starter in the ballast, if that is even a part? So basically, what is the part of the ballast that makes the clicking sound? So please, if there is an electrician out there or anybody else that ould help, it would be awesome.
Watch out man, you're messing with 400W that'll pwn your ass to the ground. The buzzing might be caused by overheating or something, not sure...good luck!!
i hate to advertise for another grow forum, but www.hg420.com has a ballast troubleshooting guide with pics and schematics, but i'd say it's your ignitor.
Yes i would say ignitor also due to the clicking sounds. And also your ballast buzzez because it is doing its job. The buzz get worse when you go up in power. I got 2 75w hps and i hear no noise from them at all but i also have a 150w hps and i hear buzzing from that. If you dont like it get digital ballast. -Peace. BTW hit up any electrical supply store and tell them what you need.
a ballast should make only a very slight humming / vibration sound at the most you should of got in contact with the store or company you purchased it from & forget the forums ...this is serious ....maybe your also running 600 w ballast with a 400 watt bulb if you are ..iam surprised the bulb didnt blow up ...peace John
It could be a loose wire nut. The clicking noise may be from the current arcing where the wires meet. Also, like said before, could be a defective starter. Unplug it, take it apart, and look for a loose connection. Make sure not to forget what goes where. Renut all wire connections, you can electrical tape over the wire nuts for extra support, if problem still exists, get a new starter.