ATI Sunpower T5 Cooling And Bulb Life

[Jimbo]

I was wiping down the top of my ATI Sunpower today when I realized my cooling fans were not running. Checked further and found they had become unplugged.

I don't really know how long it's been that way but my guess is 3 or 4 months.....maybe longer. What kind of toll has this taken on my current bulbs ?( All ATI bulbs) I would imagine the bulbs not being cooled has shortened their life considerably ?

They're now 8 months old. I usually change them every 10-12 months. All 8 bulbs are on for 6 hours. 2 dawn/dusk bulbs are on for 8 hours.

 

[twilliard]

The heat will directly have more impact on the ballasts.

 

[ksc]

You probably shortened the life of the bulbs and your light put out less par during that time. The ballasts will be unaffected. I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[twilliard]

The fan is for case cooling

Radiated heat will heat soak the case.
Now if the lamps were directly cooled then I could see a increase of lamp life. Hey that would be a terrific idea!

 

[ECreefer]

You will see many T5 fixtures without active cooling. The bulbs will still work fine, they just aren't as efficient. Same goes for the ballast.

The most important part of the fans are to keep the bulbs cool end (label end) at the proper temp, usually around 95 degrees.

That way you get the highest PAR and lifespan from the bulbs.

I wouldn't worry about it, especially since the bulbs are somewhat old already.

I typically change half my bulbs every 6 months, so I have at least half at a "like new" state.

 

[ksc]

The fan is for case cooling

Radiated heat will heat soak the case.
Now if the lamps were directly cooled then I could see a increase of lamp life. Hey that would be a terrific idea!

They are cooled, that's what the fans are for. I'm sure they help cool the case too, allowing the bulbs to run cooler.
http://www.atinorthamerica.com/sunpower.php?tabbedtabs=0
Unbeatable Performance
Superior design and high-end components produce 50% more light than most equally-sized T5 fixtures. An active cooling system allows bulbs to run at a more optimal temperature, improving both bulb output and bulb life.

 

[ECreefer]

The ATI fixture fans cool the ballasts first, then the air comes out through the bulb vent holes to cool the "cool end" of the bulb.

 

[twilliard]

The ATI fixture fans cool the ballasts first, then the air comes out through the bulb vent holes to cool the "cool end" of the bulb.

you got it!!
Lamp heat is radiated into the case fan takes the heat out
I love the laws of thermal dynamics

 

[john.m.cole3]

You will see many T5 fixtures without active cooling. The bulbs will still work fine, they just aren't as efficient. Same goes for the ballast.

The most important part of the fans are to keep the bulbs cool end (label end) at the proper temp, usually around 95 degrees.

That way you get the highest PAR and lifespan from the bulbs.

I wouldn't worry about it, especially since the bulbs are somewhat old already.

I typically change half my bulbs every 6 months, so I have at least half at a "like new" state.

so the label end goes towards the closed end of the fixture correct?

 

[ECreefer]

Yes just look for the holes going to the top of the fixture where the fans are