I downloaded a nice manual from Advance Transformer Co. There is a troubleshooting section in it. Pretty good info. Here's what it says for HPS ignitors.
"Ignitors are used as a starting aid with all high pressure sodium and certain low-wattage metal halide lamps.
Measurement of the starting pulse voltage of an ignitor is beyond the capability of most instruments available in the field. In laboratory tests, an oscilloscope is used to measure pulse height and width. In the field, some simple tests may be performed to determine if the ignitor is operable:
1: Replace the ignitor with another ignitor which is known to be operable. If the lamp then starts, the previous ignitor was either miswired or inoperable.
2: Remove the High Pressure sodium lamp and replace it with a known operable HPS lamp of proper wattage. If the lamp lights, ignitor is operating properly.
3. If lamp does not light, disconnect ignitor and proceed as follows:
A. 35W to 150W (55V) HPS
Insert 120V incandescent lamp in socket. If lamp lights, ignitor requires replacement.
B. 150W (100V) to 400W HPS
Install mecury lamp of comparable wattage. If mecury lamp starts, ignitor requires replacement.
C. 1000W
replace ignitor
NOTE: Ignitors are not interchangeable. REfer to ballast label for designation of proper ignitor to be used with ballast."
"Copywrite Advance Transformer Co."
The previous was found in the Pocket Guide to High Intensity Discharge Lamps Ballasts, by Advance Transformer Co.
Rick Miell
