6 bulb fixture with 3 bulbs

[LadyTang2]

Will it hurt a fixture to have both plugs plugged in but only 3 of 6 slots filled with lights, just for short term while I get 3 replacement?

Basically should you always have all 6 bulbs in when power plug is in?

 

[LiveWire]

It depends on how many ballasts there are in the fixture and if the ballast are universal. If you have two ballast in the fixture then most likely they are both 3 bulb ballast. If you can get the ballast information and count that would be helpful.

 

[LadyTang2]

if this were a ati t5 unit. I think there are 2 ballasts, one powers 2 bulbs, the other 4. so either one ballast is firing 3 of 4 or its 2 of 2 and 1 of 4. Would this hurt the ballast?

 

[nereefpat]

Usually, 6 bulb fixtures will have 2 ballasts, 2 bulbs and 4 bulbs having a separate ballast. Depending on how it's wired, sometimes bulbs will only come on in pairs.

I'm not sure if it's hard on the ballast. I would just run the 2 bulb portion until you get more bulbs.

@4FordFamily , any thoughts on if it's hard on the ballast?

 

[4FordFamily]

Usually, 6 bulb fixtures will have 2 ballasts, 2 bulbs and 4 bulbs having a separate ballast. Depending on how it's wired, sometimes bulbs will only come on in pairs.

I'm not sure if it's hard on the ballast. I would just run the 2 bulb portion until you get more bulbs.

@4FordFamily , any thoughts on if it's hard on the ballast?

I am no expert with lighting, unfortunately. I wouldn't think so, but I am far from an expert!

 

[nereefpat]

I am no expert with lighting, unfortunately. I wouldn't think so, but I am far from an expert!

Hmm...thought you were an electric/electronic guru...

 

[4FordFamily]

Hmm...thought you were an electric/electronic guru...

Haha no no, my only "expertise" are fish (namely tangs, angels, and wrasse in that order), and fish disease. I am pretty great at running my mouth, too!

 

[nereefpat]

Haha no no, my only "expertise" are fish (namely tangs, angels, and wrasse in that order), and fish disease. I am pretty great at running my mouth, too!

Oops. Brain frrrrt. @Brew12 is who I'm looking for.

 

[Brew12]

Hey! Shouldn't be a problem running the ballasts with fewer bulbs. It is only an issue if you try running more bulbs than designed.