Dry Metalized Film Capacitors are available to fill almost all needs for HID ballast applications. Advance’s dry film capacitors typically require only half the space used by oil-filled capacitors due to their not requiring additional spacing for safety. Dry film capacitors have no exposed live voltage terminals, and thus do not require additional clearance in the fixture. The compact, light weight, cylindrical non-conductive case and two insulated wires or terminals reduce the required mounting space. Capacitor discharge resistors (when required) are installed within the capacitor case. Dry film capacitors are UL recognized and contain no PCB material.

The maximum allowed dry film capacitor case temperature is 105°C.

What are Probable Causes of Shorted or Open Capacitors?

Normal capacitor end-of-life failure.
Overheated due to heat in the fixture or ambient temperature.
Capacitor mounted too close to ballast.
Incorrect voltage or capacitor value for ballast.
Mechanical damage such as over-tightened capacitor clamp.
What will cause reduced light output from my HID lighting?

As HID lamps age the light output decreases. First replace the lamps with those specified on the ballast label. If the lamps have been replaced and the light output is still low, there are some tests to determine if the ballast is operating properly. Measure the OCV and short circuit current of the ballast. The value of the OCV and short circuit current is listed on the ballast label. Short circuit current is measured by shorting the output of the ballast at the lamp socket. This will not damage the ballast as the ballast will current limit at the value shown on the label. If these two measurements are as listed the ballast is operating normal. If short circuit current is low and the ballast shows no signs of over temperature operation replace the capacitor. Ballasts that show signs of over temperature operation should be changed.