Wall pack repair

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I have wall packs all around the outside of the shop with 400W / U / ED28 "Multi Vapor" large Mogul base bulbs in them. That's what was there when we moved in, so I have allways just replced the bulbs when needed with exactly what was there.
I just went to change a bulb and found the end burned off the tip of the bulb. The socket is toast, so I took it out of the fixture to match up and replace. So far, I have found sockets listed as "E39" but the dimensions apear to be slightly longer. I think there is room for a slightly longer socket and they appear to be rated plenty high enough (1500W / 600v)...and a 6 dollar socket would be much better than a couple hundred bucks for a whole new fixture.

Also: some of what I found online apears these type of fixtures should be using High Pressure Soduim bulbs??? Does it matter?

Any thoughts?

 

[tfi racing]

You should be fine with that socket,the size difference is likely just a slight variance between manufacturers.As long as the lamp is compatible with the ballast it should do the job.

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

I took a chance (it was only 18 bucks uncluding shipping) and just odered that E39 socket. We'll see how it works when it gets here in a few days.

 

[knobby]

Just be sure that the pigtail leads off the mogul are rated for a temperature of 105c or higher, wall packs run hot.
For determining the correct lamp for your ballast look on the label on the ballast for an ANSI code M59=400 MH S51=400 HPS If there is no label another way to tell is an MH ballast usually has two parts a core and a capacitor while a HPS has a core a capacitor and an starter
If the socket doesn't cure the problem and the ballast hums when powered up it will likely be the capacitor replacements are available try an electrical wholesaler or sign shop

 

[Heavy Metal Doctor]

Thanks!