7-
Fault Finding
All fault finding must be conducted by a competent person or qualified Electrical Engineer.
Failure of Lamp to Ignite
In the event of the lamp failing to light the following steps should be taken:
1)
Check that the mains supply is connected to the input of the PSU and check all connections as
per the wiring diagram. Turn on the light using the switch box, if the lamp does not light, switch
off mains supply and check all fuses;
2)
Check the searchlight head. On your command get an operator to activate the switch box for
approximately 2 seconds. During this time listen for any noise (cracking or hissing) coming
from within the barrel. If this arcing is heard switch off the supply at the mains. Remove the
rear bezel to expose the two supply leads form the ignitor to the lamp. Using a dry cloth wipe
these leads to remove any dust, moisture or condensation that may have formed around the
inside of the barrel. Replace the rear bezel, ensuring the latches are securely tightened, and
perform the check again, listening for the cracking. If the lamp still fails to ignite, switch off at
the mains and replace the lamp in accordance with the safety procedures within this manual
and the manufacturer’s information.
Any further tests to be carried out with regards to lamp failure must be conducted by a
competent electrical engineer and should not be carried out in an explosive atmosphere.
3)
Before a metal halide lamp will ignite, the electrically insulated gas between the electrodes
must be ionised. This is done by the ignitor which produces a high frequency voltage (up to
30,000 volts or higher). Switching the lamp on activates the ignitor. A crackling or hissing noise
should be heard. The ignitor is housed within the rear of the searchlight barrel. This is a totally
encapsulated unit and repair is not advised. If found to be faulty a new ignitor must be fitted.
