Security Night lights.

[Anonymous-0]

I have two fo them that do not work. I was thinking for a "rainy day project" I would try to make one good one. It is only used in the harvest season. How do you test the transformer? Thanks in advance. J.

 

[Anonymous-0]

Tell us more . What kind of lights? Mecury? Halogen? First to go is photo cell and bulb. Check those first. Transformers are tested with an Ohm meter looking for continuity.

 

[buzzuca]

Check photo cell and bulb.Rare that transformer would be bad. Questions??

 

[Fawteen]

Oh, I dunno about that...

Most of the factory I work in is lit with 400W Metal-Halide "Low Bay" lights, and I've changed a BUNCH of ballast transformers in the last two years.

Of course, for the average yard light, you can probably buy a whole new light cheaper (and certainly easier) than buying a ballast kit.

 

[Sand Flat Bob]

Keep in mind that in a few years, Mercury lights will be history. Impossible to buy lamps for them in the future. Think Sodium Vapor, which is more efficient also.

Bob

 

[Dusty MI]

When the photo cell goes bad the light will be on all the time.

I work in this order untill it works, check for power at the fixture, then replace the lamp, then the ballast.

There is a flourescent one that puts out quite a bit of light, and is rather inexpensive.

Dusty

 

[Anonymous-0]

They are mecury lights and no it is not the photo cell or the bulb. We have 5 of them around here and we keep a spare bulb and a spare cell. Thanks for the help so far. How many ohms on the transformer? J.

 

[sd pete]

The rea always changed mine. If there was a charge it wasn"t much. i just told them to do it when they were in the area.

 

[Anonymous-0]

As of Jan 1st 2008 mercury vapor lights will no longer be manufactured or imported due to the mercury. Lights already manufactured can still be sold until they run out of them. I purchased 2 extras for spares cause mine only last about 5 yrs until lightning or cheap China quality makes them die.
A whole unit can be bought for $25 or less. A transformer alone is probably more than $25. Pete