Apex not starting my UV

[jasonrusso]

I have a TMC Vectron 600 UV light. I have it plugged in outlet 4 (relay outlet), but sometimes it takes 3-4 tries to start up. TMC says not to use a controller, but I don't see how the relay outlet would affect. A triac outlet could.

At this point, it has the same issue when plugged directly into the wall. The vendor says I may have weakened the ballast.

 

[Bob Escher]

Have you tried putting it into another outlet

 

[jasonrusso]

Have you tried putting it into another outlet

As I said, it has the same issue if I plug it directly into the wall.

 

[Sleepydoc]

If it has the same issue when you plug it into the wall then it’s not the controller

 

[jasonrusso]

Correct. The manufacturer says that I may have damaged the ballast by using a controller. Would the relay outlet be limiting the power required for the startup surge?

 

[BZOFIQ]

Correct. The manufacturer says that I may have damaged the ballast by using a controller. Would the relay outlet be limiting the power required for the startup surge?

Balooney; I don't buy it.

A controller is effectively a switch. Once engaged the output is the same exact voltage etc that any other outlet would directly.

 

[jasonrusso]

This was their response, keep in mind he (the vendor) is helping me to get a new ballast and I am thankful from that.



Has this always been plugged into the Apex? If so the ballast may be permanently weak as per our UV Lamp Troubleshooting Article

QUOTE:

"Forth, Do NOT run a High Output UV Sterilizer via a controller such as an Apex. These can limit voltage needed for the surge in start up. This is especially true with UVs that utilize electronic ballasts, which can be permanently damaged by such use.
A surge protector or other multi outlet is generally OK, but not a controller."

 

[jasonrusso]

I feel that maybe a triac outlet may cause an issue, but not a relay outlet.

 

[BZOFIQ]

I feel that maybe a triac outlet may cause an issue, but not a relay outlet.

Not absolutely sure about triacs but a relay wouldn't affect the output in any shape or form.

Glad they are replacing your ballast.

 

[Sleepydoc]

Well, this is nit-picking, but the voltage should never surge. It may have a high current draw at startup, but the plug voltage should either stay constant or, if there is extreme current draw, it may drop. If there is that much current draw, the breaker should trip, however.

The apex energy bars may have current-limiting circuitry; I’d have to look at the board. I know for a fact they have a fuse and IIRC they are limited to 10A per outlet. That may be the issue?