Help with replacing ballast

[KSzegi]

Okay, so keep in mind that I'm electrically challenged ..... and most likely this is going to be a "dumb" question ..... but will be my first go around with it, so live and learn!

I have a sfiligoi genesis t5/led fixture, less than a year old - two of the bulbs are not working and I'm guessing it is the ballast. Last week I replaced all the bulbs - worked great, loved the new color. Next day about half way through the day one set of two bulbs was off. Thought I must not have had the bulbs twisted in fully or something, started twisting them and they turned on. Next day they did not turn on at all - again, when you twisted them out and re-spun them back in, they turned on. Following day they came on but then turned off mid way through the day. This happened for a couple days but now I have nothing. Tried different bulbs - doesn't help.

I've e-mailed and called the vendor that I got the fixture from but no response at all so I thought I would look here for some advice. Does it sound like ballast? And if so, where is the best place for me to get a replacement ballast for it and what type might be best? I really have no idea what ballast is currently being used in the fixture - but I'm assuming that it doesn't have to be the same anyway as long as I match the wattage, # of bulbs, dimmability etc.

If someone could give me the "t5 ballast for dummies" I'd appreciate it!

 

[impur]

I would replace the sockets first. If the bulbs came back on after just twisting the bulbs back in place, it makes me think there is a bad connection on one of them. Since the sockets are so cheap that is where i would start. You can pick them up at any hardware store.

 

[jgraz]

I had a very similar problem with my current fixture. Playing with the bulbs often made them work. Then nothing. In my case it turned out to be the ballast. IMO I would say the same for you. I went to the current website and was able to track down the exact ballast and where I could by it. Current would not sell it. Now I would think your fixture may still be under warranty since its only 6 months. If so the manufacture is the best way to take care of the problem.
Another way is to open up the fixture and check the model number of the ballast. Then just do a web search for it. This is what I had to do. The search should provide you with some places to buy it.
Switching was a breeze. Just pull the old one out, and attach the wires back in the same order. Wire nuts work great. In my case it took me longer to take the fixture apart then it did to switch the ballast.

 

[KSzegi]

I would replace the sockets first. If the bulbs came back on after just twisting the bulbs back in place, it makes me think there is a bad connection on one of them. Since the sockets are so cheap that is where i would start. You can pick them up at any hardware store.

I was thinking perhaps bad connection at first too .... until the bulbs just wouldn't turn on at all .... but you're right, might be worth a shot.

I had a very similar problem with my current fixture. Playing with the bulbs often made them work. Then nothing. In my case it turned out to be the ballast. IMO I would say the same for you. I went to the current website and was able to track down the exact ballast and where I could by it. Current would not sell it. Now I would think your fixture may still be under warranty since its only 6 months. If so the manufacture is the best way to take care of the problem.
Another way is to open up the fixture and check the model number of the ballast. Then just do a web search for it. This is what I had to do. The search should provide you with some places to buy it.
Switching was a breeze. Just pull the old one out, and attach the wires back in the same order. Wire nuts work great. In my case it took me longer to take the fixture apart then it did to switch the ballast.

Well, good to hear swapping out ballasts will be painless if thats what it is, I kinda figured it wouldn't be too tough! I tried to find a website for Siligoi ..... can't find one and am still waiting to hear back from the dealer that I purchased from - have no idea how to get ahold of the manufacurer! In the meantime I'm not thrilled about being two bulbs down on the fixture and was going to do what I could and at worst I guess have an extra ballast for the future. And of course I was trying to avoid having to take the light down to take it apart and get the ballast model ...... the thing weighs a ton and the way the tank is situated does not make it an easy task to take the fixture down and put it back up ..... was hoping to only have to do it once! Guess no easy way out on this one!


Thanks to you both for your suggestions!

 

[jgraz]

Did you try here
http://www.aquaticselite.com/category_s/59.htm

 

[KSzegi]

Did you try here
BROCHURES

Yea, sure did ...... Tim is who I bought it from and waiting to hear back from!!

 

[impur]

I figured the reason the bulbs stopped working all together is that the socket just finally gave out. But it could be the ballast. I've replaced ballasts plenty of times, its very easy. You could just pick up an Advance ballast and do it yourself if you can't get any help from the manuf. Should only run you 30 bucks or so.