So I see a HPS light outside my apartment building flicker (seemingly dims for like 10ms maybe; noticeable); why?? I smoke, so I'm out there to see it like 2-3 times at night (bad I know...). Happens at least once a night though. Is it a cheap transformer in the ballast? Is it the power fluctuating every-night when I'm out there?? Is it in my head??? Thanks for ideas!!

 

My best guess is a failing lamp or a transformer starting to breakdown internally. When the bulbs wear they ignite and glow normal for several min. As heat increases they start to dim and eventually drop out of conduction. Then the cycle repeats over and over again. One day they go out and never ionize again. That's my best guess.

Ron

 

OK Been doing this for months, but the bulbs go out! One bulb went out before; they didn't do anything for weeks. The mecinism to start the light output was constantly getting used; it eventually overheated, and it was connected to the outside wall... Yeah.