Problem with MH starting

[BCOrchidGuy]

I have a new set up, electronic ballast etc, when my MH's turn on there is a ripping sound, you know that electrical sound that is more like fabric ripping. Would a poor ground be a likely reason for this or should I pull apart all the wire connections and redo them.... all 15 or so...I have the light fixture grounded to the ballast.... ideas??

Doug

[BCOrchidGuy]

Wow, what an overwhelming response... lol, anyway Yes a poor ground can cause the problems I described. I found that the grounding screw on my ballast was completely stripped inside the ballast box. I found this out when I started it up and saw a little spark travel around the ground. I ended up filing off some of the paint/plastic coating on the feet and used a couple washers and a longer screw and put the ground on the screws that hold the ballast onto the canopy.

Doug

[Bryan]

I don't think you should be seeing any sparkling to the ground. This would indicate something is wrong. Do you have the ballast connected to a GFI and does it trip the GFI.

[StirCrazy]

Wow, what an overwhelming response...

Doug

bah you waited 1 day and I am out of town freezing my A$$ off in Ontario
:mrgreen:

Steve