metal halide security light problem

[Brent_R]

I installed a consumer model, Brinks 100 watt metal halide security light on my mother's out-building. She liked that it really lit up the back yard. It worked for less than a year and then I had to replace the ignitor. The light has now been up about 5 years during which I replaced the bulb once.

Anyway, recently it would come on and then go out after awhile. That looked like a bulb problem so I got a new bulb. When I put the new bulb in it seemed very dim and too orange. The next day I checked it and realized that someone had switched bulbs at Walmart so they could get a metal halide for the price of a sodium vapor bulb. I returned the sodium vapor and got a metal halide bulb.

And then a new problem started. Normally the dusk to dawn switch turns it on a little after sunset before it is fully dark. It stopped doing that. It would eventually turn on 2 or 3 hours after dark. Once on, it worked just fine.

I thought it might be the ignitor. I got a new one and when I tested the unit inside the house, the bulb lit up right away. I put it back on the building, but it didn't turn on at sunset. I took it apart and redid all of wire nut connections. It would hum but didn't turn on at sunset.

So, then i thought maybe the dawn to dusk switch was worn and replaced it. It still didn't turn on right away. Today, it turned on about 2 hours after sunset.

I checked the line voltage. It's reading 123 volts at the house and 120 volts at the building.

I'm stumped. If the transformer was bad then I assume the light wouldn't come on at all. If it was damaged by running it one night with the sodium bulb then I guess I can replace it or buy a new security light. I just can't figure out what would cause a 2 hour delay.

 

[kabinenroller]

I had a MH fixture that went bad, I gutted the fixture and installed a “corn cob” LED bulb. Easy and reasonably priced solution, plus it cost less to operate.

 

[cybrdyke]

You've already proven to yourself that the lamp/ballast/ignitor all work properly. So, it's the photocell that's the problem. Either your new one is the wrong one, or it's improperly installed, or it's not located well. I could also be defective.
You can test it by taping over it's viewing window with electrical tape to see how fast it reacts to darkness. It should only be a few minutes. Photocells are supposed to be pointed north if possible. Basic photocells have mechanical parts in them and so they dont all operate at exactly the same. Some will come on later than others. But there shouldn't be a 2 hour difference like you are experiencing.
Good luck,
CD

 

[Brent_R]

Either your new one is the wrong one

It's the same as the old one. It handles up to 1,000 watts so the same relay is used by Brinks for a wide range of lights.

or it's improperly installed

It has a three prong socket with one leg wider than the other two, so you can't put a prong in the wrong hole (Murphy's Law engineered). You put it in the socket, push down and twist clockwise.

Photocells are supposed to be pointed north if possible.

It is.

You can test it by taping over it's viewing window with electrical tape to see how fast it reacts to darkness. It should only be a few minutes.

Yes, that would be the next option. Dismount the fixture and bring it back inside for more testing.

 

[walrus]

If the fixture is ok throw the metal halide in the trash where it belongs, by pass the ballast, hook 120 volts to the socket and buy a LED replacement bulb that will fit into fixture. But the best solution would be just go buy a new LED fixture and put it up. Most of the consumer lights are throwaways.

 

[Bert_]

Binks is **** sold only to homeowners. Not hardly worth the time to repair.

I carry a shorting socket so it's easy to test but you can bypass the photo cell with a jumper also.

A lot of the hid bulbs sold at the home stores are junk also. Can get better for less money at the electrical supplier.

I would not put an led in it. If you decide you want led then get a better fixture.

 

[cybrdyke]

Yes, that would be the next option. Dismount the fixture and bring it back inside for more testing.

Why would you have to bring the fixture down? Just put a piece of electrical tape over the "eye". If it takes more than 5 or 10 minutes to turn the light on, then it's not working properly.
CD