parking lot lamps burning out every couple months

[capnandy]

Hi all,
Does any one have an idea what could cause parking lot lamps to burn out often? Every couple months.

 

[zbang]

Over voltage, over temperature, vibration, cheap lamps, cheap fixtures, etc. Tell us something about the lamps and conditions.

 

[jeremysterling]

Leave them on 24/7.

 

[LarryFine]

Does any one have an idea what could cause parking lot lamps to burn out often? Every couple months.

Replacing bulbs but not ballasts? The labor savings alone would pay for new ballasts.

 

[masterinbama]

Had a problem on a new mall a few years back. The owner specified replacement lamps to be ordered with all fixtures. The 400 MH lamps all came from a bad batch so we were just replacing bad with bad. We finally got the manufacturer involved and they made good on the whole deal. I won't mention the manufacturers name but it did start with s and had a y in it too.

 

[LarryFine]

I won't mention the manufacturers name but it did start with s and had a y in it too.

Sony?

 

[mxslick]

Leave them on 24/7.

If you meant that as a probable cause, you are correct. :grin:

If you meant it as a SOLUTION to the problem.... BZZZZZZZZZ! Wrong answer. :grin:

Many metal halide type lamps are supposed to have some cool-off time during their life cycle or there is an increased risk of lamps failing, usually by the arc tube exploding.

Unless there has been some serious changes in lamp manufacturing that I haven't heard about.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Sony?

Sylvania jumped in my mind

 

[masterinbama]

Sylvania jumped in my mind

That's it. I will say they were very helpful with the problem.

 

[capnandy]

I have since become aware of frequent problems with surge in the past at this location. Possibility?

 

[mcclary's electrical]

I have since become aware of frequent problems with surge in the past at this location. Possibility?

Not only is that a possibility, it's the most likely culprit

 

[Article 90.1]

Poles getting hit by lightning?