Changing Ballast

[nyc reefer]

Hi I have a question: I run an (8) bulb T-5HO Current USA Pro fixture and one of the ballasts is not firing so (2)bulbs are not firing. I was thinking of replacing the ballasts w/ Ice cap 660's but I am wondering how difficult it would be to swap out? I'm afraid to order them and then not being able to wire it correctly and burning the unit. Help??

 

[anthony27]

it should not be that hard taking apart the fixture and all. The ice cap is a good ballest and you will like it alot it over drives the bulbs and you get more par out of it. Also follow the directions and if you need to put a dyi thread

 

[pecan2phat]

You should first open up the fixture to ascertain whether you can fit the IC660 ballast in there. Most commercial T5 fixtures will not give you the room needed since they line thinner T5 HO ballasts across the front and or back of the fixture. The IC660 will fire 4 bulbs so you would need 2 of them and the wiring diagram is on the ballast.

 

[ming]

I would only install the icecap ballast if you can also install a fan on the fixture. The bulbs get a lot hotter with the icecap and need cooling

 

[nyc reefer]

IC-660 Ballasts

I cant fit them in the fixture, I just checked and it has (4)small thin ballasts on the top of the fixture. I'm concerned about the heat problem with the bulbs though. This summer Im keeping the temp aound 80/81 w/o a chiller. I might have to convert the fixture into a retro inside the canopy and install a couple of extra fans to cool the bulbs and ballasts.
Thanks