test mercury vapor bulbs
 

Is there a way to test mercury vapor bulbs (with the large mogul
base)? I need to isolate a problem with a large outside yard light and
isolate the issue between the bulb and the photosensor.

Thanks for any tips.


John Keith

"John Keith" wrote in message
...
Is there a way to test mercury vapor bulbs (with the large mogul
base)? I need to isolate a problem with a large outside yard light and
isolate the issue between the bulb and the photosensor.

Thanks for any tips.


John Keith


No real way you can test the bulb alone, other than to swap with a known
good one, or in another working fixture
But if the photo sensor is the plug and twist type, you can check voltage
there easily enough.

Why aren't you asking about the ballast ?

AMUN

On Sat, 1 Oct 2005 16:27:16 -0400, "Amun"
wrote:


Why aren't you asking about the ballast ?

Because I'm just learning about these lights. I assumed that the bulbs
were the most likely to fail and they are easily replaceable. What do
I need to learn about the ballast? Is it replaceable or does one just
replace the fixture to fix a ballast?


John Keith

John Keith wrote:
On Sat, 1 Oct 2005 16:27:16 -0400, "Amun"
wrote:



Why aren't you asking about the ballast ?


Because I'm just learning about these lights. I assumed that the bulbs
were the most likely to fail and they are easily replaceable. What do
I need to learn about the ballast? Is it replaceable or does one just
replace the fixture to fix a ballast?


John Keith



--
WARNING:

Do NOT under any circumstances take advice from an idiot named AMUN.

Regarding tile, electrical, HVAC, painting, drywall, plastering, lawn
mower repair and various other construction issues, AMUN is a clueless
moron. As things go AMUN will dissapear as his kind usually does when
confronted with their bad advice by those who are knowledgeable in their
respective fields. Until then - BEWARE

Amun wrote:




But depending on the light sometimes the ballast is worth more than a
replacement fixture.


AMUN



Your advice isn't worth $.02

--
WARNING:

Do NOT under any circumstances take advice from an idiot named AMUN.

Regarding tile, electrical, HVAC, painting, drywall, plastering, lawn
mower repair and various other construction issues, AMUN is a clueless
moron. As things go AMUN will dissapear as his kind usually does when
confronted with their bad advice by those who are knowledgeable in their
respective fields. Until then - BEWARE

"John Keith" wrote in message
...
On Sat, 1 Oct 2005 16:27:16 -0400, "Amun"
wrote:


Why aren't you asking about the ballast ?

Because I'm just learning about these lights. I assumed that the bulbs
were the most likely to fail and they are easily replaceable. What do
I need to learn about the ballast? Is it replaceable or does one just
replace the fixture to fix a ballast?


John Keith


You can pretty much think of them the same as a fluorescent strip, if that
helps.
Testing of the parts is pretty similar for all gas discharge type lighting.

Easiest way to test a bulb is in another working fixture.
Or try a known good spare.

You can not simply go by a $2.00 ohmmeter continuity test, as you can with
a regular incandescent bulb.


But depending on the light sometimes the ballast is worth more than a
replacement fixture.


AMUN