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HID

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Frequently Asked CMH HID Ballast Questions

Please download our HID Troubleshooting Procedures here.

Do your CMH HID ballast operate a quartz lamp?
Hatch Metal Halide ballasts are designed to operate ceramic metal halide lamps and certain quartz lamps depending on ballast model. Please contact us for an up to date lamp compatibility chart.

What is the T Point?
The T Point is the spot on the ballast that is the hottest area. This area is where thermal couplers should be placed when doing a heat test.
 

 
Frequently Asked Transformer Questions

What is a magnetic core & coil low voltage transformer?
A low voltage transformer is an electrical device that reduces 120 volts (line voltage) into 12 volts or 24 volts (low voltage). It is sometimes made by winding two wires around an iron core with one wire connected to the primary side (line voltage side) and the second wire connected to the secondary side (low voltage side). In the case of low voltage halogen or low voltage xenon lighting the low voltage transformer has an input or primary voltage of 120 volts (sometimes 277 volts) and an output or secondary voltage of 12 volts or 24 volts. An example of a core and coil type transformer is our LS and LT models.

What is an electronic low voltage transformer?
Conventional low voltage transformers, also called magnetic core & coil low voltage transformers can be extremely large and heavy, consist of an iron core and two sets of wires as described in the previous paragraph. An electronic low voltage transformer, on the other hand, also contains an electronic device, called an inverter, which allows the size of the low voltage transformer to be substantially smaller. An inverter and a small transformer make up the main components of what we normally call an electronic low voltage transformer. An example of our electronic transformers is our RS and VS lines.

How does an electronic low voltage transformer work?
The inverter conditions the voltage to change direction at a frequency of about 20,000 times per second (called Hertz or Hz) as opposed to the “normal” power from your wall outlet, which changes direction at a frequency of 50Hz or 60Hz. The higher the frequency, the smaller the low voltage transformer can be. Most electronic low voltage transformers provide high frequency AC output.

What is the advantage of an electronic low voltage transformer?
Electronic low voltage transformers are very small and light compared to magnetic low voltage transformers, in most cases small enough that fixture manufacturers can often incorporate them within their lighting fixture rather than leaving the customer to find a hiding place. Even when not incorporated within the lighting fixture an electronic low voltage transformer is very easy to install in a small hidden location.

What is the advantage of a magnetic core & coil transformer?
Simply - temperature rating. When size and weight are not an issue and a high temperature is needed, a magnetic transformer is a good choice. Hatch magnetic low voltage transformers can handle normal operating temperatures of 180 degree celcius.

What is the correct way to wire up a Hatch transformer?
Please make certain that the black and white input wires (primary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the power line (120 volts or 277 volts) using wire nuts that the two red output wires (secondary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the low-voltage light source using wire “terminal blocks” of appropriate size (for solid contact). Low voltage halogen or low voltage xenon lighting systems carry relatively large currents so all of the low voltage connections must be very tight to prevent arcing (a possible fire hazard) within those connections. Note: Do not connect 277 volts to a 120 volt transformer, and also do not connect 120 volts to a 277 volt transformer. Make sure you have the correct transformer that matches your input voltage.

What should I check if the transformer does not seem to be working?
(A) Please make certain that the black and white input wires (primary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the power line (120 volts or 277 volts) and that the two red output wires (secondary side) of the low voltage transformer are connected to the low voltage light source (12 volts or 24 volts). Most failures occur as a result of reverse or improper wiring.
(B) Check the filament of the lamp to see if is burned out. (Remember the glass envelope of a halogen lamp should NOT be touched by bare hands because the natural oil from your hands will cause the lamp to burn out prematurely.)
(C) Check the connection somewhere between the output wires of the transformer (red wires) and the lamp. The transformer has a sophisticated short circuit/overload protection system. If it senses a short or a bad connection or too many lamps (ie: too much wattage) it wil cause problems. Check all the connections for tightness, corrosion, arcing etc. If all are tight and clean and you do not have more than the maximum wattage of lamps on the system, then look at the lampholder itself. Make sure the contacts in the lampholder where the lamps plug in are still tight and do not show signs of carbon buildup or arcing.

Can Hatch electronic transformers be remote mounted?
Yes, they can be remote mounted up to 10 feet, after 10 feet there is a voltage drop of approximately .07 volts per foot.

Why does my voltmeter read "0" when testing your transformer, does this mean the unit is bad?
No, some Hatch electronic transformers feature "Demand Circuit Design". The transformer will not produce voltage unless a lamp with at least the minimum wattage required is connected to it.

Will your transformer or ballast operate at 50Hz or 60Hz?
Yes.

Why is there a delay when I turn a lamp on using your transformer?
Many models of Hatch low-voltage electronic transformers utilize a soft start circuitry to maximize lamp life. The soft start circuit ramps up the lamp filament voltage slowly when the lamp is cold.

Why do I measure very low voltage on the lamp even though the light output looks OK? Shouldn't it be about 11.5V?
You must use a digital volt meter capable of reading 25KHz or higher waveforms, we suggest a Fluke Model 5220A or equivalent.

What is the "blue" loop on your VS12-60WD and VS12-75WD transformers for?
This wire is only for OEM type applications. It is used to attach a 1 meg ohm linear taper potentiometer for dimming via a potentiometer. You do not have to use the blue loop to make the unit work, it is only there if you want to use a potentiometer to dim your fixture (example: Desk top lamp).

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Frequently Asked CFL Ballast Questions

Will your CFL ballasts operate a 2-pin lamps?
No, Hatch electronic CFL ballasts will only operate 4-pin lamps.

What is a "T" point?
This is the point at which the ballast temperature is measured. "T" point measurements should be made with a thermal couple bonded to the point.

What is the max temperature for your ballast?
The max design temperature that we recommend for our ballast are 70° C at the T Point with a 25° C ambient. If the expected application is a high temperature environment, contact factory for assistance if your application will exceed the 70° C max design temperature.

How is temperature measured?
A thermal couple should be bonded to points closest to the lamp and the "T" point. A 3-4 hour soak time should be allowed for the system to reach thermal equilibrium.

What is a the correct way to hook up a 4-pin socket?
Ensure both red wires are connected individually to the same filament and both blue wires are connected individually to the other filament.

What is the minimum temperature your CFL ballasts will start at?
Hatch CFL ballasts will start at -25 degree C.

If any of your questions were not answered, please contact us directly by email or phone.
Hatch Transformers, Inc.
5403 West Gray Street
Tampa, FL 33609
sales@hatchtransformers.com

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