"sparky" wrote in message
...
On Feb 2, 5:13 pm, Meat Plow wrote:
On Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:15:56 -0600, "Dave" wrote:





I am trying to troubleshoot a high-pressure sodium vapor lamp which does
not
light, in spite of there being 120V AC available in the socket and a new
bulb installed. Posting a pic of the ignitor to A.B.S.E showing the two
components with which I am least familiar, and which I suspect may be at
fault. Please, any input or advice is solicited. I can replace the lamp
easily enough, but would rather fix it if I can just for the satisfaction
of
doing so. I am seeking info on the semiconductor (NTE6419) device which
appears to be open, and the cylindericle device to which it is attached,
which measures 1.08 H with my LCR meter, and totally open between the two
end-pins with my DMM set to Ohms. If you have anything to offer, I ask
for
it.

Many thanks,

Dave

The "ignitor" is a ballast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sodium-vapor_lamp- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -



High pressure sodium lamps require a starting voltage of around 200
volt to ignite the lamp and then the ballast limits the current to the
proper operating current for the lamp. If there is only 120 volts
on the socket the starter circuit may be defective .

See this for more details .

http://www.acuitybrandslighting.com/...ets/TD-110.pdf



Hey Sparky, thanks for that link. And yes, the starter was indeed
defective. Thought it was going to be the SIDAC bi-directional thyristor,
but it turned out to be the choke behind that device. Looks like (approx)
100uH, and I stuck a 100uH choke from Rat Shack in its place to test, and
the lamp seems to work fine with that. Only thing now is to find one that
is coated like the old one to be fire-proof, or figure out something to coat
the new new choke with for that purpose. Any ideas there are quite welcome.

Thanks again for the help. It feels good to know I am on the right track.

Dave