View Full Version : Good online source for MH ballast capacitor?
MAG
August 23rd 05, 05:10 PM
Hi folks-
In response to some feedback in a thread about my MH lighting system
repeatedly blowing the GFCI protector, I'm now thinking the capacitors
on the transformers are the likely culprit. Long story, but it's my best
theory so far and I'm wanting to change them out.
They are Magnetek VC10040CBTR 005-1184-MF.
You'd think that with that info a quick google search would turn up
plenty of suppliers but I'm having trouble.
I pull up a couple hits showing indeed this capacitor is commonly used
with MH transformer circuitry, but haven't found a place that actually
sells just the capacitors.
Any help in finding an online source (in the US) appreciated.
Sincerely,
Marc
Daniel Morrow
August 24th 05, 06:56 AM
"MAG" > wrote in message
.net...
> Hi folks-
>
> In response to some feedback in a thread about my MH lighting system
> repeatedly blowing the GFCI protector, I'm now thinking the capacitors
> on the transformers are the likely culprit. Long story, but it's my best
> theory so far and I'm wanting to change them out.
>
> They are Magnetek VC10040CBTR 005-1184-MF.
>
> You'd think that with that info a quick google search would turn up
> plenty of suppliers but I'm having trouble.
>
> I pull up a couple hits showing indeed this capacitor is commonly used
> with MH transformer circuitry, but haven't found a place that actually
> sells just the capacitors.
Why not just get a new capacitor with the same specs? Good luck.
>
> Any help in finding an online source (in the US) appreciated.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Marc
MAG
August 24th 05, 01:27 PM
In article >,
says...
>
> "MAG" > wrote in message
> .net...
(snip)
> > I pull up a couple hits showing indeed this capacitor is commonly used
> > with MH transformer circuitry, but haven't found a place that actually
> > sells just the capacitors.
>
> Why not just get a new capacitor with the same specs? Good luck.
>
>
> >
> > Any help in finding an online source (in the US) appreciated.
Right. That's what I want to do. Doesn't have to be the Magnetek one.
But it needs to be the same shape/dimensions, or within a few mm, to fit
properly in the case.
I called up Hamilton Technologies, who manufacture the lighting
enclosure, and they'll sell me the capacitors for $27 each. Seems kinda
pricey.
Marc
Bill Stock
August 25th 05, 12:00 AM
"MAG" > wrote in message
.net...
> In article >,
> says...
>>
>> "MAG" > wrote in message
>> .net...
> (snip)
>> > I pull up a couple hits showing indeed this capacitor is commonly used
>> > with MH transformer circuitry, but haven't found a place that actually
>> > sells just the capacitors.
>>
>> Why not just get a new capacitor with the same specs? Good luck.
>>
>>
>> >
>> > Any help in finding an online source (in the US) appreciated.
>
>
> Right. That's what I want to do. Doesn't have to be the Magnetek one.
> But it needs to be the same shape/dimensions, or within a few mm, to fit
> properly in the case.
>
> I called up Hamilton Technologies, who manufacture the lighting
> enclosure, and they'll sell me the capacitors for $27 each. Seems kinda
> pricey.
>
> Marc
Assuming you know the part# or (voltage, mfd, style) you might try:
www.digikey.com
www.jameco.com
www.rpelectronics.com
http://www.allelectronics.com/
http://www.bgmicro.com/shop.asp
George Pontis
August 25th 05, 06:21 AM
In article >, says...
>
> Assuming you know the part# or (voltage, mfd, style) you might try:
>
> www.digikey.com
>
> www.jameco.com
>
> www.rpelectronics.com
>
> http://www.allelectronics.com/
>
> http://www.bgmicro.com/shop.asp
Capacitors for power applications like this often have one or two important specs
that are not printed on the case. (for example: equivalent series resistance)
I don't want to be alarmist, but a substitute part even with identical voltage and
capacitance ratings could fail catastrophically. If the original component shows a
manufacturer and model number in addition to the capacitance and voltage, then the
OP could seek an identical replacement from one of these distributors. If not,
then the safe route would be to pay the $27 to get a part from Hamilton.
MAG
August 25th 05, 09:17 PM
In article >,
says...
> In article >, says...
> >
> > Assuming you know the part# or (voltage, mfd, style) you might try:
> >
> > www.digikey.com
> >
> > www.jameco.com
> >
> > www.rpelectronics.com
> >
> > http://www.allelectronics.com/
> >
> > http://www.bgmicro.com/shop.asp
>
> Capacitors for power applications like this often have one or two important specs
> that are not printed on the case. (for example: equivalent series resistance)
>
> I don't want to be alarmist, but a substitute part even with identical voltage and
> capacitance ratings could fail catastrophically. If the original component shows a
> manufacturer and model number in addition to the capacitance and voltage, then the
> OP could seek an identical replacement from one of these distributors. If not,
> then the safe route would be to pay the $27 to get a part from Hamilton.
>
Right, I agree. But for some reason nobody seems to carry the Magnetek
caps anywhere... Has Magnetek sold off the line to someone else?
Marc
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