Problem with PC bulbs

check the outlet for fluctuating voltage? i have it through a power strip.

 

no were the ballast connects to the lights

 

Ok, i guess i will be taking it apart sometime soon. i can get ahold of a meter tho. Could my fixture be getting too hot? it does have build in fans, but it does get very hot.

 

that i dont

 

Only other thought is if your old bulb is a regular T5 and the new is T5 HO or something, hmmmm

 

Nope, we're talking power compact lights here.

My advice is to bring the light fixture with to the LFS when you return the bulb you just bought. If the ballast didn't fry your original bulb, then why would it fry the other bulb from Petco and the one you just bought from the LFS? My bet is it's the bulbs. Shipping damage or mishandling at some point may be the problem here. Do the connections look corroded at all? Is there a splash shield on your fixture?

 

I was thinking the same thing, or salt creep. Luna

 

The splash guard is on, no salt creep present. The pins were a little corroded, but not near as bad as my original bulb that is still working. My LFS did exchange the bulb, but i think i am going to leave the original in at least for a few more days to see if something happens to it before i put another new one in. I dunno, i guess i wait and see.

 

I was thinking connections. I had the same problem with mine before I sat down and redid the entire pigtail on both ends (worked for awhile, now it doesn't at all).