[JimmyTheJeweler]

I have a new dual 250w MH setup. The ballasts are puting off a smell that is very strong. Is this common for new ballasts? If so how long does it last? I have had them running for a week now and still the same smell. Thanks.

 

[Skippy_electrician]

Hi Jimmy, I have been an electrician for about 8 years now and yes, a ballast will sometimes give off a smell when u first fire them up. Mostly they smell kinda like they are burning off some oil or something, but for a week that in my exp. is not common. If u could maybe try and explain the smell and the type of setup its in (ie. hood, free air, ect.) and the type and where u got them from. Also if they are magnetic ballasts or electronic. I have 2 400 watt MH over my tank and they did smell for a few hours but thats it. Lemi know all ur info and I'll c what I can find out, if it comes down 2 it and ur not 2 far from me I could come and take a look at them for ya.

 

[BeakerBob]

Hey Jimmy..what kind of ballasts did you get? I'm looking for some dual 250's myself and still doing the research.

 

[JimmyTheJeweler]

I got my ballasts from cooltch lighting on ebay. Very nice and friendly good price to. They are pluse start, 250 Watt Metal Halide Advance Electromagnetic Ballasts. The smell is coming from the ballasts almost like it is burning. It kinda smells like when a florcent balasts burns out but not that strong. I think I will cut back on the run time and see what heppens maybe give it another week. It is only when they warm up. Thnaks for the offer to swing buy but I am in Grand Rapids and your probally in Detroit like everyone else on here? Here is a new auction for the same setup I have if your curious "http//cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=2361721466&category=3212" Thanks and let me know what you think it might be.

 

[Guest]

Mine had a warm smell (best way to describe it) when I fired them up also.

 

[rscdragon]

I am using PFO ballasts,and I never noticed a smell when mine fired.

 

[Skippy_electrician]

I have never seen an electronic ballast put off a smell, speically 1 that smells like a fluor. ballast going bad. The smell u get from an enclosed fluor. ballast when they go bad is a sort of tar that is in the case it self. U should be able 2 run them 24/7 with no problems(cept for the heat on the tank) and get no smell from them. If they keep it up I would sug. u call the manuf. and tell them ur prob. The savings from an electronic ballast arnt really that great, if u end up having 2 send them back I have a electric warehouse I get stuff from that has good prices. Although u will have 2 make ur own reflectors and such. Just an example my 2 400 MH ballasts cost me $110 and I designed the whole setup with reflectors, bulb holders, and reflectors for under $200. Lemi know what they say, IMO u should call first thing Monday since I dont believe this is normal.

 

[mattvc]

Hey Jimmy, I also order ballasts from cooltouchlighting.com and yes, they awful for about 2 weeks. It was very strong at first, like burning rubber or tar. The smell cut down noticably after a couple days, but was still there. I ended up sending one of the ballasts back because it didn't work right. What's kind of strange though is that the new one they sent me didn't smell so bad. All in all I don't nkow what to advise you to do, all I can really say is that my did smell too. Hope this helps you relaxe.

 

[JimmyTheJeweler]

Ya it kinda a bummer. My wife refuse to come up where the tank is and it is nasty smalling. I will give it another week then the phone calls begin. Thanks