WeiPro 4ft MH cracking sound

Hi all bro(s) & sis(s),

My 4ft MH light has this cranking sound ( sounds like metal striking against metal ) but still can light up both 150W MH. It is just that the cracking sound is quite loud and is driving me crazy.

I have then open up the casing and see, nothing is broken or loose.

I called up P*tM**t and the person say it could be the transformer that is faulty. Went to another electrical shop to seek 2nd opinion and the shop assistant say it could be the ballast.

May I know what went wrong ?

If it is really the transformer, how much does it cost to repair ?

If it is the ballast, how much to replace one ? and where to get ?

Sorry for all the questions, cos I'm not a elect guy.

Pic of where the cranking sound is coming from in my gallery.

Could be ballast, capacitor, ignitor. Ur photo shows the capacitor on the left and ignitor on the right. Watch out for burnt marks or burning smell. Is the sound always there, like when u on the MH? It goes on for few hrs?

If replacement is required, u can buy from Sinter Elect at Sim Lim Tower. They sell external control gear ard $40-50+ and other spare parts from $10-30 onwards. Make sure the new parts can fit into the existing casing.

Originally Posted by Maculosus

Could be ballast, capacitor, ignitor. Ur photo shows the capacitor on the left and ignitor on the right. Watch out for burnt marks or burning smell. Is the sound always there, like when u on the MH? It goes on for few hrs?

If replacement is required, u can buy from Sinter Elect at Sim Lim Tower. They sell external control gear ard $40-50+ and other spare parts from $10-30 onwards. Make sure the new parts can fit into the existing casing.

Thanks for the reply but hor how to know which part is spoiled ?

BTW what is a control gear ?

The 2 things shown in my gallery are the only things that is in the casing, therefore worst come to worst, does it mean I replace this 2 ? ( cos I hear pple say, there is a capacitor, ballast and ignitor - 3 items, but I only have 2 )

I do know the right hand side thing in the pic is the ignitor ( cos written ) but where is the capacitor and ballast ?

Appreciate your advise.

Control gear,
http://www.arofanatics.com/members/m.../controlgear2/

For those who DIY, they will usually buy an external 150W Control gear which consists of capacitor, ballast and ignitor. What happened for mine few months ago is that the ignitor burnt so it was simply replaced.

But in ur fixture, no ballast? Ur photo shows only capacitor and ignitor. If these 2 things not expensive just change them.

Or to be sure which component is bad, open the fixture, run it and check for any abnormality. But pls be very careful, do not touch any metal parts inside while it is running.

[Teoheseow]

does th sound keep on cranking? if not, maybe due to expansion of mat'l when u on from start when it is cold....

[BarraCuda™]

Originally Posted by jowy_ham

Thanks for the reply but hor how to know which part is spoiled ?

BTW what is a control gear ?

The 2 things shown in my gallery are the only things that is in the casing, therefore worst come to worst, does it mean I replace this 2 ? ( cos I hear pple say, there is a capacitor, ballast and ignitor - 3 items, but I only have 2 )

I do know the right hand side thing in the pic is the ignitor ( cos written ) but where is the capacitor and ballast ?

Appreciate your advise.

Normally its the ballast that will have a humming sound when its igniting the bulb. The ballast is the most heaviest component of yr MH hood, it should be very near to the ignitor.

Check that all components are secured to prevent vibrating noises. Use a testpen to check for current leakage before you touch the capacitor and ignitor casing to see if you can feel the vibration. NOTE : DO NOT TOUCH THE BALLAST! ITS VERY HOT!

Thank Q for all the advice, the light stop cranking after 2 days.

Now quiet down liao , so temporarily can save on some repair cost

Will bookmark this thread for furture reference


Thank Q Thank Q Thank Q