Problem with T5's not staying on...

[LuHockey2]

I have 4 48" T5 bulbs. When I plug everything together only two bulbs come on, and they only stay on for about 1 second, then turnoff. The other two do not come on at all. I have switched the bulbs around, and the same thing happens no matter the bulbs.
I have looked for obvious loose wires and could not find any. I am curious if anyone has had this issue or may know what the problem is.

Thanks, Brian

 

[bimmerzs]

Either a bad bulb or issue with an endcap

 

[kthomas]

Sounds like what my TEK unit was doing when the ballast was going out.

 

[LuHockey2]

I switched the bulbs around and the same two sets of end caps turn on for a second then go off. Since it lights the same 2 no matter which bulbs are in, does that indicate a bad end cap then?

 

[LuHockey2]

I plugged the ballast in a set of VHO's I have and it lights them up no problem so I dont think in my case that is the issue, but thanks.

 

[Hookem2006]

What type of ballast? I had this problem when my endcaps were not properly seated with the bulbs.

 

[LuHockey2]

Icecap 660

So 2 bulbs would basically flash on then off and other 2 bulbs did nothing?

 

[Hookem2006]

I have the 440. Same thing happened until the bulbs were inserted perfectly.

 

[LuHockey2]

Ok. I will try and make sure they are inserted properly.

Appreciate the info from everyone.

Brian

 

[LuHockey2]

Ok, I have secured them and the problem still exists.

If it were a bad bulb then that should show up when I switch the bulbs around. The same 2 sets of end caps will get the bulbs to turn on for a split second regardless of which bulbs I have in. The other 2 sets of end caps will not light up the bulbs at all.

With these symptoms the only thing left is replacing the end caps, correct?

 

[bettalover]

Sounds like bad ballasts to me