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Continuity problems with wiriing endcaps


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  1. #1
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
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    1,446

    Default Continuity problems with wiriing endcaps

    I just started wiring up my 4x54wT5 setup to my IC660 ballast.Before i screwed the endacps/standoffs down I wanted to do a continuity test.Based on my prior experiences with T5's,they do not tolerate a high resistance connection and will burn out prematurely if left that way.A pair of wires goes to one endcap,another pair to the same side of the other bulb/endcap.The other pair of wires is wired in series between the 2 opposite ends of the 2 endcaps.I only have an anolog volt/ohm meter so my readings aren't as accurate as i would of like to be able to share.The 2 pairs of wires that are directly wired to the 2 endcaps are reading 0 ohms(continuity) when tested back at the wiring harness.The pair of wires that are being run in series between the 2 endcaps are reading .7 ohm.The anolog meter is set to
    Rx10 on the ohm scale.Any electrical gurus out there think this will be a problem.Keep in mind,the endcaps are not screwed down yet so it might just be that the pins aren't completely snugged up(I did tigthen down the waterproof covers though).Any advice,thoughts on the subject would be appreciated.

  2. #2
    dakar - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    NOLA
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    4,336
    First Name
    Dave

    Default

    David, .7 ohm's is nothing, you can vary resistance by more than that by simply touching a probe on your meter with your finger while checking resistance. BTW what is the total length of the wire from end to end? Copper wire itself has a given rate of resistance per foot, depends on the gauge and quality of the wire.

    I don't think you have anything at all to worry about. Pretty sure the 'high resistance' effect you are describing generally comes between the endcap contacts and the tube itself. The connection there is just made by friction and over time oxydiation can occur on the copper increasing resistance.
    Every electronic device is manufactured with smoke stored deep inside... only a true genius can find a way to set it free.

  3. #3
    davejnz - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Daytona Bch,FL
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    1,446

    Default

    If i'm not mistaken,perpetual98 ordered me the 6' wiring harness from IceCap.I believe the wire is 16gauge.

  4. #4
    jerryc - Reefkeeper CR Member
    Join Date
    Sep 2004
    Location
    Arkansas
    Posts
    1,345

    Default

    David sounds fine to me on all types of high output ballast you will usual find more
    problems with bad seating of the lamps Thain anything else.
    I HAVE A PROBLEM' I'M ADDICTED TO MICROMUSSA

    RazorBack Reef. com
    keepersofthereef.com
    http://www.captivereefing.ws/weblog.php?w=7

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