How long does a UV ballast last?
You need to replace your UV system’s quartz sleeve every 2-3 years.
Why is my UV sterilizer not working?
If it is not working the lamp is bad, the ballast is bad, or there is an electrical problem. Each ultraviolet sterilizer has a rating for the pond size it will handle and the maximum flow rate it can handle.
Are UV ballasts different?
However, not every ballast can run every ultraviolet bulb. The more specialized the UV bulb, the more particular it is, and the more difficult it can be to find a compatible ballast. For a regular G4T5 lamp, many ballasts that run F4T5 bulbs will work.
Do UV lights lose their strength?
Like your average light bulb, UV lights have a finite life span that requires them to be changed on a regular basis. As these lights operate, they slowly lose their effectiveness as a germicidal agent by about 15 percent each year.
How can you tell if a ballast is good?
If the ballast is good, an analog multimeter has a needle that will sweep to the right across the measuring scale. If the ballast is bad, then the needle won’t move. If you’re using a digital multimeter, often the digital readout will possibly list a “1” when it doesn’t find a measurable resistance.
How do I know if my UV light is not working?
If it turns a violet shade, the UV light bulb is functioning. If it remains primarily white, the UV light bulb might be defective. If you are unsure, transfer the bulb to another light fixture and try the same test again. If it still fails, the light bulb is not good.
Can I use a fluorescent ballast for a UV light?
In many cases, a fluorescent ballast can run a range of UVC light bulbs.
What is the purpose of UV ballast?
The uvc light ballast ramps up the input voltage and has an output voltage high enough to spark the lamp. A ballast is needed due to the construction of the lamps, they have negative resistance between the two electrodes. Additionally, a large voltage difference between the electrodes is needed to spark the lamp.