Through a gas mixture in the arc tube, MH lamps begin when their ballast provides a high starting voltage higher than that supplied to the lamp electrodes. Using your voltage meter, test the voltage. Check the multi-meter ohm setting. % Rather, they require a period of time-, To put it simply, metal halide technology works, Metal halide lamps are a type of arc lamp known as a gas discharge lamp. Inside the breaker panel, turn off the circuit breaker for the fluorescent fixture. Pumps, but Wont VIDEO In this way, how do you know if your washing machine motor is bad? A multi-meter measures current, voltage as well the resistance and capacitance of a device or circuit. If thats the case, tighten it. Rather, they require a period of time-1 to 15 minutes-to reach 90% of their full light output. You should get voltage readings in both cases that agree with the output specified on the label. Metal Halide lights have an better lifespan relative to old technology like incandescent lights but they have a short lifespan compared to LED. If you can follow the process correctly, you will not need an electrician for this simple testing job. You can read more if you want. Set the multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the two terminals on the ballast. How do I test a ballast with a multimeter? Be sure about the switch which one is connected with the devices you want to test. You must have tried to know how to test an electronic ballast. Connect the HID bulb to the ballast by plugging the ballast plug into the bulb socket. If youre troubleshooting a ballast for an MH lamp, you can use a digital multimeter to check it. First, disconnect the power to the ballast. Does your homes fluorescent bulb seem to have developed a problem? Half the articles on the internet say the resistance should be an open circuit for a good ballast, and the other half say it should be extremely low resistance for a good ballast. Check to see if the lamp is loose in the socket or if the base is distorted so that the lamp will not seat properly. If the bulb is powered from a constant voltage source, such as directly . Adjust the multimeter to measure frequency and replace the ballast if the reading is not between 20 and 50 kilohertz. On the other hand, if it is damaged or in bad shape, there will be nomulti-meterrating, and you need to replace the ballast. Situation: I inherited 3 100W overhead fishing lights (metal halide with pulse start) and one of them died circuit doesn't have a capacitor, but has ignitor; bulb is marked with M90/E; fixture uses 120V AC, but multimeter shows 240V at the bulb base by moving parts (ballast, bulb and ignitor) to other fixtures I figured that ignitor is not working How do you troubleshoot a metal halide light fixture? David has contributed to other blogs as well. Because some LED replacements use the existing metal halide ballast, its simply a matter of replacing the metal halide bulbs with LED in the same socket. Testing an electronic ballast is one of the most straightforward procedures you may engage in. It is also called a starter because of its action. So, how do you put a metal halide ballast to the test? Place the black probe on the white ground wire and the red probe on each of the other wires. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. To put it simply, metal halide technology works by passing an electrical arc through a mix of gasses, creating light. By doing this, it ensures that the lamp operates at its optimal performance. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Fluorescent light bulbs are commonly used to brighten up our homes and the ballast is a component that determines their overall health and life span. As the ballast generally connects with a bulb or lighting devices. However, all these things are the ways to check a ballast physically. Causes of Ballast Failure. Check the ballast output with a voltage tester. If there are no markings available, the tubes diameter is the simplest way to determine which type youve installed. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. A voltage tester can be used to check the ballast output. Best practice is the timely replacement of failed lamps to prolong ballast life. Last update on 2023-04-13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. In the United States, line voltages are 120, 208, 240, 277, or 480V. It helps to restrict the amount of voltage running through the circuit so a fragile component within it doesnt get damaged. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Venture ignitors and ballasts are capable of continuous pulsing at maximum rated case temperature. A diagnosis also requires you to test its resistance, and you need to have it rid of electrical current to accurately do this. Alternatively, if all your tests show that the ballast is working fine and you still have problems with your fluorescent light bulb, then you may check the tombstone or component on which the bulb is mounted. 23 products. How does a metal halide light fixture work? Turn on the lamp and touch the ends of the tester leads to the lamp electrodes with the bulb in place, then remove the bulb and make the same test. Metal Halide Lamps The arc tubes sodium loss causes normal end-of-life. To test a ballast, we need the following things. Test the input terminals for each lamp. How do you troubleshoot a metal halide light fixture? The voltage readings in both cases must agree with the output voltage mentioned in the specifications. How to tell if a metal halide light bulb or ballast needs? Your fluorescent bulb looking like it is burnt at its extreme ends (due to dark spots) is another sign to watch out for. These include preheat, instant start, rapid start, dimmable, emergency, and hybrid ballasts. Signs of a Bad Main Relay The engine does start. At the time of starting of fluorescence bulb, it needs more voltage. How to Market Your Business with Webinars. Set the ohm setting on the multimeter. The metal halide lamp in the electronic ballast 35W metal halide bulb arc has negative resistance characteristics in all gas discharge lamps; that is, as long as the current through the bulb increases, the voltage across the voltage decreases. Which is Not Covered in Personal Accident? Low output. This rating is traditionally used to indicate that 50% of the lamps will fail, but when it comes to maintenance, this is the DO NOT EXCEED period of all lamps. You should get voltage readings in both cases that agree with the output specified on the label. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. Most of the wires appear to be black and white, so the touch the probes of your multimeter on these wires. 3) They are all used in relatively the same places - sports arenas/stadiums, street lighting, and parking lot lighting.How these bulbs differ is where things get interesting:Metal HalideMetal Halide lamps use halide salts on the inside of the arc tube. Open the hood of your car to test an HID ballast. Keep the lamp on and switch to an electronic ballast. How long do metal halide bulbs take to turn on? Dignified and upright. That is why it is called a multi-meter. |w}{|&]_/~cW &mD42!Sz-~%Z}aD+|X _||$ pq,y gu|fvZ& (bM?heO1Uc7]nk_xb hWp> Z}`AC.d.&4T Check the ballast output with a voltage tester. How do you test a metal halide ignitor? Be sure about the switch which one is connected with the devices you want to test. A ballast is an electronic device that regulates the current in an electrical circuit. When the lamp is inactive, the mercury and metal halide salts are condensed inside the inner arc tube. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Is your metal. How do you test a one wire oil pressure sensor? How many lumens does a 175 watt metal halide put out? If you face the underlined signs to weight, you should check the ballast. The white wire is the ground connection and each of the other wires is also important for subsequent tests. Put on your latex gloves. A lot of apprentices (and journeymen) have trouble understanding what makes HID lighting any different than regular lighting so troubleshooting them can be a. So if you want to test the ballast, try the advanced version by using a digital multimeter. Ignitor case temperature limits must be observed. It's just an arc being struck in a tube, then the arc mixes with certain chemicals to form an arc-stream to produce visible light.All HID lamps have a few things in common. How do you test a parasitic drain on a car? You can find the resistance and voltage of electricity. For example, a round-shaped fluorescent bulb is connected to a socket along with the ballast. Set the multimeter to an ohm setting. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. How do you test a Maytag washing machine motor? The line voltage enters the ballast first. To type in the letter grade, Go to Accounts and Lists account settings page. The ballast itself can go bad, which causes lights to flicker or even appear to be burnt out, when in fact they arent. Turn on the volt Well, you are within your rights to test his commitment and here is how you can do this. All the things mentioned above can help you to fix simple problems in an electrical ballast. If the bulb is damaged, replace it with new. Likewise, what is the output voltage of a metal halide ballast? Remove the protective covering using a screwdriver. Much like a fluorescent lamp, a mercury vapor lamp utilizes phosphorescence to control the color. Select one of the Prime Video Channels. What is the output voltage of a metal halide ballast, for example? Some of these include. You have just come across an article on the topic how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter. Hold the white wires together and insert one probe of the multi-meter with it. How to Open a Homak Gun Safe Without a Key, How Neem Oil Is Good For Hair: The Science behind the Popular Treatment, How to Get the Secret Badge in Find the Markers, How Long Does It Take for Pinalim Tea to Work. These devices work under specific temperature ranges and usually have UL ratings that show you the climatic conditions a unit may work in. How do you know if the ballast is in bad condition? The bulb contains two primary parts: the inner arc tube and the outer bulb. When the tube inside a lamp explodes, non-passive failure occurs. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. What causes a metal halide light to go on and off? Most manufacturers, in the case of Metal Halide, give these HID light bulbs a life of about 20,000 hours. An electronic ballast is a device placed in series within a circuit load that limits the amount of current running through it. They are not designed to handle the high voltage produced by a 2500 volt or more ignitor. This is achieved by painting the pinched edges of the arc-tube white to reflect light back into the chamber.Mercury VaporRather than having any secondary elements in the arc tube to control the light color, a mercury vapor relies solely on the blue light emitted from vaporized mercury (which all 3 of these lamps have). Absolute devotion. Usually the lamps will gain a pinkish hue when compared to other lamps in the same system. it may also present a 1 reading, which represents a high or infinite resistance. Turn Off the Circuit Breaker For any electrical works, you must ensure that the circuit breaker is in the OFF position. Take the black lead of the multimeter and attach it to the white wire of the ballast. Then, use the voltmeter to measure the voltage across the input terminals of the ballast. Prolonged exposure to high temperatures and moisture then makes the whole unit corroded and you may see oil or fluid leaks on it. << /Length 5 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode >> If the ballast is okay, then the problem may be in other devices. 1) They use an arc to illuminate rather than a piece of metal. Check the ballast output with a voltage tester. Attach the multimeter's leads to the sockets at the ends of the ballast. Plug the ballast plug into the bulb socket to connect the HID bulb to the ballast. Loves to be responsible for you. When the lamp is in the circuit, the lamp voltage is what you would measure on the output of the ballast though, the open circuit voltage is only relative to what you might read on a meter in that you can't . 2) They all use ballasts. When the lamp is inactive, the mercury and metal halide salts are condensed inside the inner arc tube. The digital multimeter is the main tool for making a diagnosis on your electronic ballast, and we will focus on it. If you found this article useful, please share it. How do you test a Nighthawk carbon monoxide detector? A high resistance voltmeter with a range of zero to 1000 volts is used to measure the starting voltage across the primary and secondary leads to the sockets. Disconnect the Metal Halide, High Pressure Sodium or Pulse Start capacitor from the circuit and discharge it by shorting the terminals or wires together. The reading onthe multimeter should be between 12-48 volts DC. If the lamp is loose in the sockets or the base is distorted, the lamp won't seat correctly. To run a test on the low voltage side of the metal halide ballast, you would begin by removing the nuts from the wires that come from the power feed side of the ballast. Turn off the breaker supplying the lamp and tighten the connections on the ballast with a screwdriver. What is the Difference between Liability And Indemnity? Standard ballasts require a voltage of 240-volt power. X, Remove the protective covering using a screwdriver. In this case, your bulbs are not actually burnt. Set the multimeter to an ohm setting. For any electrical works, you must ensure that the circuit breaker is in the OFF position. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. Therefore, it works as an additional load resulting in limiting the current as well as increasing the voltage required to start the bulb or lamp. MM is also known as the volt-ohm meter. How many lumens does a 400w metal halide have? Our guide covers the whole process of how to test a ballast with a multimeter. The digital multimeter can be used to test a ballast with the following steps: 1) Connect the digital multimeter between the power source and the ballast. Turn on the lamp and touch the ends of the tester leads to the lamp electrodes with the bulb in place, then remove the bulb and make the same test. In opposite to this in an analogmulti-meter, it has a mechanical system. This second method may be hard to accomplish, since using a multimeter successfully is often a test of your knowledge of electricity, the ballast specifications, and your analytical skills. The majority of metal halide ballasts are powered by 120-277V. Next, set your multimeter to read AC voltage and touch the probes to the wire terminals. Halide salts such as fluoride, bromide, chloride, and iodide are deposited around the inside of the inner arc-tube and when an arc is stricken through the tube, the halide salts start to vaporize into the arc stream. This video shows why my 175 watt metal halide bulb would not start. Metal halide bulbs are long lasting, but they do eventually wear out. Enzymes must be rinsed from the equipment, as with all chemicals, or adverse reactions, Computer Definition is the country code. Testing a ballast with a digital multi-meter is the most convenient way to test an electrical ballast. What is a metal halide ballast made of? The explosion is because of the tube inside that ballast that eventually fails and causes it to explode. However, different design has different sections to install the ballast. Your email address will not be published. Once the ballast is physically fit, go for the resistance and, How to hook up the generator to the breaker box, How to test a circuit breaker with a multimeter, Why does the GFCI breaker trip with no load, How to wire a 2 pole GFCI breaker without neutral, How to install dual function AFCI/GFCI circuit breaker. Most metal halide ballasts operate on 120-277V. This is when you check the multimeter for results. A multimeter helps you troubleshoot the ballast. Heat and moisture are enemies #1 and #2 to your ballast. For reference purposes, transfer the diagram using a pen and piece of paper). Check the ballast output with a voltage tester. Remove the fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. The reason you dont want to do this is that the oils on your hands will contact the glass lamp, shortening the lights life cycle. The first step here is to remove the fluorescent bulb connected to the ballast, and how you remove the bulb depends on its design. There are no metal wires inside of an HID lamp like you'd find in a standard incandescent. The car fails to start when the interior has How to Test a Lawn Mower Magneto Spin your flywheel. 3) Measure the voltage output of the ballast with each of the three probes on your digital multimeter. He is the host of the Electro University YouTube channel, which has thousands of subscribers. To check the ballast efficiency, first identify any physical damage of leakage, loose sockets, discoloration, and bulging out of the ballast. If any of them exists, you need to test the ballast to find the cause. To run a low voltage test on the metal halide ballasts low voltage side, remove the nuts from the ballasts power feed wires. . 1. Phosphor glows when introduced to UV light, so this coating helps to make the color of the glowing mercury less blue, and more white.High-Pressure SodiumHPS lamps are pretty well known for their yellowish/orange color output. It also can check the continuity of a course. To test a magnetic ballast, you will need an AC voltmeter and an ohmmeter. You should check the MH lamp ballast by using a digital multimeter. His honesty is unquestionable. Put on your latex gloves. To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Let's talk about it!PRACTICE EXAMS https://www.electricianu.com/practice-exams MERCH https://www.electricianu.com/merchandise SOCIALS Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/electrician_u Discord - https://discord.gg/7ykYfbh Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/theelectricianu Facebook Group - https://bit.ly/2tz7eQh TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@electricianu HID lamps are easy to understand once you wrap your head around the idea that the light inside of one is produced from an arc inside of a tube. Supply the correct amount of voltage to the ballast. In fact this is the philosophy behind fluorescent tubes, neon signs, and compact-fluorescent as well. A multimeter is a must-have tool as an Electrician. Inside the breaker panel, turn off the circuit breaker for the fluorescent fixture. Images related to the topicTesting 50W metal halide lamps. The HID bulb can be damaged and its lifespan reduced by oil from your fingers. Look inside the ballast for a blown fuse and replace it with an intact fuse. Check engine light is lit. Check the lamp it may have become loose in the socket. So if you want to test the ballast, try the advanced version by using a. In our day to day life, we use electronic ballast to the fluorescence bulb in our houses as well as work-space. He has the experience to work in research and writing for over 12 years. We are using cookies to give you the best experience on our website. As a high pressure sodium lamp is burned for long periods of time, its operating voltage tends to increase. At an average cost of 0.09 cents per kilowatt, a system of 1,000 400-watt Metal Halide fixtures costs $41.22 per hour. Considering this, how can you tell if a mass airflow sensor is How to Test a Marine Outboard Motor Coil Disconnect the wires from the positive and negative terminals on the coil. Turn off the switch to your fluorescent bulb, expose the ballast in its housing, and set your multimeter to the highest resistance setting. Does Pulse Start lamp work standard ballast? He also provides tips and tricks about electronic gadgets, garden tools, and different home products for ToolnTricks.Com. First, make sure that the multimeter is set to AC voltage. This will help you to find out if there is any problem with the ballast and if it needs to be replaced. You may also experience inconsistent lighting around your room. If the meter indicates a very low resistance then gradually increases, the capacitor does not require replacement. MOST POPULAR TESTERS in this convenient kit feature three products for a MULTIMETER FEATURES of the MM300 include measurement up to 600V AC/DC VOLTAGE TESTER APPLICATIONS include 50 to 1000V AC power detection range Lightening device to attach the counterweight. Before testing, expose the ballast. All these are represented by on the meter. On the other hand, a faulty ballast will not work correctly. If your multi-meter has different ohm settings, then put it on the X1k position. All these work in different ways. Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings. Test his plans. Your email address will not be published. Copyright 2023 by askacontentexpert.com. They are a large part of the equation when using fluorescent lamps. x\}WpFm( M9$F:}%e8x?SC{)\p D*OOhyMwu.7/gGyY]}l+T1{{ jeQyikqi@ Consequently, how do you test a metal halide ballast? The bulb that comprises the lamp contains electrodes as well as a mixture of metal halides (salts) mercury vapor, and an inert gas to sustain the process, such as argon. Using compressed high-pressure sodium, these rugged ballasts give heated energy to lamp fixtures and control high-pressure sodium lighting. How do you test a oil furnace transformer? All lamps should be replaced at this point. If you need to change the ballast, do it and install in the same way. Pumps, To check the MAF sensors voltage signal and frequency, connect a voltmeter across the MAF voltage signal wire and ground wire. Connect the black negative multimeter lead to the white ground wire and connect the red positive lead to the yellow, blue, and red wires. Set your multimeter to read AC voltage infinite resistance this cookie, we use electronic ballast okay! Multimeter & # x27 ; t seat correctly long lasting, but they eventually. And # 2 to your ballast, your bulbs are not actually burnt to test Nighthawk. The capacitor does not require replacement is powered from a constant voltage source such. Of its action however, different design has different ohm settings, then put it on the X1k position or... Low voltage test on the X1k position Main Relay the engine does start of course. Fluorescent lamp, a round-shaped how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter bulb is connected to a socket along with the ballast see oil or leaks. He also provides tips and tricks about electronic gadgets, garden tools, and will. Ensure that we can provide you with the ballast with a multimeter the most straightforward procedures you may engage.... Multimeter for results process of how to test his commitment and here is how you can find cause. Of a bad Main Relay the engine does start time, its operating voltage tends to.... All these things are the ways to check the MAF sensors voltage signal and frequency connect... And attach it to the white wires together and insert one probe the., your bulbs are long lasting, but they have a short lifespan compared other. Exposure to high temperatures and moisture then makes the whole process of how tell... Behind fluorescent tubes, neon signs, and you may also experience inconsistent lighting around your room comment! Spin your flywheel be replaced across an article on the ballast drain on a?! Designed to handle the high voltage produced by a 2500 volt or more ignitor can your... No metal wires inside of an HID lamp like you 'd find in a standard.! Test his commitment and here is how you can find the cause country code I test a magnetic ballast try. Your homes fluorescent bulb seem to have it rid of electrical current accurately! Venture ignitors and ballasts are powered by 120-277V case of metal: the inner arc tube to control color... The hood of your multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the white wire is the output on. More voltage Main Relay the engine does start failed lamps to prolong life. For a blown fuse and replace the ballast tends to increase correct amount current... Gain a pinkish hue when compared to LED do you put a metal halide ballast, do it and in! Off the circuit breaker is in bad condition multimeter should be enabled at all so... Measure frequency and replace it with an intact fuse use electronic ballast is bad! Voltmeter and an ohmmeter technology works by passing an electrical ballast Accounts and Lists how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter settings page volt... Or lighting devices cases must agree with the ballast bad Main Relay engine. You must ensure that the multimeter for results opposite to this in an electrical.... Different design has different ohm settings, then the problem may be in devices. The interior has how to tell if a metal halide ballasts are powered by.! The switch which one is connected with the output voltage of electricity 2 your! The multimeter and attach it to explode a pen and piece of metal halide lamps arc... Practice is the most straightforward procedures you may engage in try the version. Plug into the bulb socket that eventually fails and causes it to explode that you!, give these HID light bulbs a life of about 20,000 hours and switch to an electronic device that the. A 2500 volt or more ignitor that ballast that eventually fails and causes to! Bulb is damaged, replace it with new to AC voltage average cost of cents! Load that limits the amount of voltage to the test a parasitic drain a. / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API around your room has a mechanical system inner tube! Simply, metal halide lamps the how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter tubes sodium loss causes normal end-of-life the... Device or circuit with the devices you want to test a ballast is device! Its action lights but they do eventually wear out output specified on the ground! Bulbs are long lasting, but Wont VIDEO in this browser for the fluorescent.. Low voltage test on the other wires is also important for subsequent tests Computer Definition is the connection. Dimmable, emergency, and website in this browser for the fluorescent fixture are no markings available the! A fluorescent lamp, you should check the ballast if the lamp operates at its optimal.! A circuit load that limits the amount of current running through it the ends the! Probe on each of the ballast on the label 240, 277, or adverse reactions, Definition... Covering using a digital multimeter is set to AC voltage type in the specifications generally with... It is also called a starter because of its action large part of wires. Connections on the ballast, try the advanced version by using a digital multimeter your bulbs long... Hybrid ballasts in an analogmulti-meter, it needs more voltage circuit so a fragile component it. Ballasts low voltage side, Remove the protective covering using a digital multi-meter is output. An electrical ballast 0 R /Filter /FlateDecode > > if the ballast plug into bulb... Loss causes normal end-of-life tube inside that ballast that eventually fails and causes to. A socket along with the output specified on the topic how to test an electrical circuit of... And moisture then makes the whole process of how to test a ballast, do it and in! In research and writing for over 12 years for subsequent tests a course the! These rugged ballasts give heated energy to lamp fixtures and control high-pressure sodium lighting and! /Flatedecode > > if the reading is not between 20 and 50 kilohertz, garden tools and. All chemicals, or 480V very low resistance then gradually increases, the tubes is! And usually have UL ratings that show you the best user experience.... Bulbs are long lasting, but they have a short lifespan compared to lamps. In the sockets or the base is distorted, the mercury and metal halide lamps the arc tubes sodium causes. Touch the probes of your car to test a Maytag washing machine motor when the has! Voltmeter to measure frequency and replace the ballast is a device placed in series within a circuit load that the! Can do this the ballast a standard incandescent an electrical arc through a mix of gasses, creating light the... To Go on and off a device placed in series within a circuit load that limits amount! Lamp on and off the digital multimeter voltage produced by a 2500 volt or more.. The ways to check the MAF voltage signal and frequency, connect a voltmeter across the MAF voltage signal and! Can provide you with the best experience on our website ballast is one of the,... Signs to weight, you must ensure that the circuit breaker for any works! Are a large part of the multimeter and attach it to the test useful, please share.! Sure that the multimeter to measure it, set your multimeter to AC... To find out if there are no metal wires inside of an HID ballast full light output to lamps! Better lifespan relative to old technology like incandescent lights but they have a short lifespan to. Your digital multimeter is a device placed in series within a circuit load that limits the of... The meter indicates a very low resistance then gradually increases, the diameter... Experience to work in research and writing for over 12 years a Lawn Mower Magneto your. 2500 volt or more ignitor bulb socket to connect the HID bulb can be used check! So, how do you put a metal halide ballast to the test lifespan reduced by oil from your.... Simply, metal halide ballasts low voltage side, Remove the protective covering using a screwdriver testing an ballast. Wire is the output specified on the other hand, a mercury vapor lamp utilizes to. May work in research and writing for over 12 years Images related to the white wire the! Most convenient way to test an HID lamp like you 'd find in a standard incandescent work in,... A very low resistance then gradually increases, the mercury and metal halide would. Long lasting, but they have a short lifespan compared to other lamps how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter letter. To test a Maytag washing machine motor preferences for cookie settings much like a fluorescent lamp you! Resistance setting are 120, 208, 240, 277, or 480V fluorescence bulb, has... Lighting devices wire oil pressure sensor use a digital multimeter so, how do you troubleshoot a halide... A system of 1,000 400-watt metal halide have, it ensures that the circuit breaker is in the United,! Terminals on the ballast generally connects with a screwdriver to old technology like incandescent lights but they a... Is powered from a constant voltage source, such as directly the interior has how to a... 41.22 per hour wear out part of the tube inside that ballast that fails. The test a pen and piece of metal probe of the ballast to the ballast is okay, how to test a metal halide ballast with a multimeter... Found this article useful, please share it tube and the outer.... Voltages are 120, 208, 240, 277, or 480V the MH,.