Unsafe MH Ballast?

[vittleking]

I recently bought this as part of a retrofit canopy in the sales section on MR. I was told everything works just fine. Well one of the halides has been nothing but problems, and I'm worried it's a fire hazard at this point. When I got everything home and unpacked the box with the ballasts, the cover on this ballast was open. I was told it was to vent the heat afterwards. I tightened the screws and set it up. Well it wouldn't start up, and it would shock you when you touched the switch. I was told it was a problem with my plug in my house. I am starting to think the copper wire just folded inside the ballast is the ground, and that's the source of the "shock". Anyways, it did work, you just had to shake the ballast to get it to go on. I was told it was used on a timer and I am having problems because I am using the switch, the previous owner never used the switch. So I put it on a timer and it still doesn't work. The DIY box that the socket is attached to has no top, and the hole that the wires go through does not house the protective sleeve correctly. There is also lots of electrical tape on several parts, and the switch just spins in the hole. Does this seem like a safe to use ballast to you guys? I am very new at this and I am feeling very unsure about this, and feel like I'm putting my families life in danger by using this thing. I took this one off today, because it doesn't work. The seller said to bring it to him and he will see if he can get it working again, but I don't think this is the safest set up. Any input would be much appreiciated! Thanks. Also, does this look like the right capacitor for a 175W halide? I was given a brand new one from LFS that looks much bigger than this one and is shaped different.



this shows how the switch just turns

[jimsflies]

Be careful with that capacitor...those can be dangerous even with the power off.

[Sir Patrick]

Whoever sold that to you should give you your money back...sounds like he saw a new reefer, and made some quick $$$.

Hope you father in law can fix it. Would hate to see you spend a good chunk of cash for someone elses garbage/problems.

[streetrodder007]

Trash it ... nothing need's to be rigged to work. Don't forget your mixing electricity very close to open water- which is a no-no to begin with. So better play it safe and use quality components.
JIMSFLIES makes a great point about Capacitors holding a charge... don't put your tongue on it !!!!!

[jay13]

that capacitor is unsafe and should be thrown out, the ballast is a normal advance ballast that pfo used. go to capacitorking.com and look up your capacitor, should be about $20 shipped, and rewire that thing, including new switches. that is if you keep it.

[vittleking]

that capacitor is unsafe and should be thrown out, the ballast is a normal advance ballast that pfo used. go to capacitorking.com and look up your capacitor, should be about $20 shipped, and rewire that thing, including new switches. that is if you keep it.

fish doctors was kind enought to give me a capacitor for free actually. I am just kind of paranoid to sell this thing to someone else, even if I replace the capacitor. I wouldn't feel too good if I sold it and someone got hurt or if it burned someones house down. I'm still waiting to hear from the seller. I paid $150 for the canopy, vho bulbs and ballast, 2 halide ballasts and sockets, and 2 new bulbs. I would just like to get some loot back for this ballast to help offset the cost of the new ballast I had to buy. The other light works fine, so I can sell that one, and use anything the seller gives me to offset the new ballast and sockets that are getting shipped today. I'm starting to think he's going to flake out though, as he won't respond to PM's or his sale thread anymore.

[vittleking]

well it's been a few days and the guy still won't respond. Looks like I am screwed. His screen name on MR is Toyfreak, his name is Ryan, and he's from Monroe. I would be very wary about purchasing things from him. I am going to give him until tomorrow evening, then if I don't hear from him I guess all I can do is leave feedback for him to warn others about dealing with this guy. I ended up having to tap into the vacation funds to fix this problem, so I am not a happy camper right about now!!!

[vittleking]

here are some pictures of the socket housing thingy. More tape, and the guard to protect the wire doesn't even fit!! Plus the top is exposed to the elements. the other one is sealed at least. Here is a link to the sales thread http://www.michiganreefers.com/forum...ment-sale.html

[vittleking]

well the seller contacted me finally. Sounds like we may be able to work something out. I'm not trying to be a jerk, just want to be treated fairly. I don't think he meant to sell a POS, but turns out the thing is a POS. I'm not asking for everything back, I would just like some kind of compensation to offset my losses for buying new metal halides that do work.

[tazzy695]

well I wish I would have seen this thread sooner but the ballast itself is probably safe and fine but needs to be rebuilt

the switch is a 12v switch not a 120v and is why you are getting shocked get rid of it especially if you are going to use a timer if not replace it properly with a switch rated for 120v usage

all the wiring needs to be inspected for cuts and excessive splices removed to minimize them simple wire nuts work good but I recommend wrapping with tape to seal water and salt out

I hope that the seller took care of you and fixed the ballast properly or refunded your $$