T5HO Fixture REpair
For All nova extreme & SunDial t5ho
fixtures
DANGER
To avoid possible electric shock, special care should be taken since water is employed in the use of
aquarium equipment. For each of the following situations, do not attempt repairs by yourself. Return
the appliance to your retailer or discard the appliance.
• If an electrical appliance falls into the water, or water drips onto the electronics, DON’T reach for
it! First unplug it and then retrieve it. If electrical components of the appliance get wet, unplug the
appliance immediately.
• Always unplug appliance from an outlet when not in use, before putting on or taking off
parts, and before cleaning. Never yank cord to pull plug from outlet. Grasp the plug fully
and pull out to disconnect.
• Carefully examine the appliance after replacement. It should not be plugged in if there is
water on parts not intended to get wet.
• Do not operate any appliance if it has a damaged cord or plug, or if it is malfunctioning or
has been dropped or damaged in any manner.
Warning: Failure to mount the wire ballast and fixture in conformance with the National
Electrical Code, applicable State/Municipal safety standards, and the specific UL Safety
standards for the intended working environment may cause serious personal injury, death
and/or property damage.
Step 1: Determine the issue / Troubleshooting:
1. Determine if the ballast, lamp or socket is not working. Unplug fixture, remove from
aquarium and place upside down on a flat surface. Remove splash lens and carefully set
aside to ensure no breakage.
2. Plug the fixture in and turn on. Identify which lamps are not functioning and turn fixture off.
Remove non-functioning lamp(s) from the socket(s) and if possible, place known working
lamps into the socket(s). Diagnose the issue as follows:
Nova Extreme 2xT5HO Fixtures:
- Switch both lamps around in the sockets and turn the fixture on.
- If one lamp works and one does not on the same ballast, it usually indicates a replacement
lamp is required.on a ballast, it indicates a replacement lamp is required.
- If two working lamps do not work, a replacement ballast is required.
Nova Extreme 4xT5HO, 6xT5HO, 8xT5HO & SunDial T5HO Fixtures:
- Install two known working lamps into the non-functioning sockets and turn the fixture on.
- If one lamp works and one does not on the same ballast, it usually indicates a replacement
lamp is required.on a ballast, it indicates a replacement lamp is required.
- If two working lamps do not work, a replacement ballast is required.
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Replacing ballasts
For nova extreme t5ho fixtures
Step 2: Ballast Replacement
1. If you have a determined a ballast requires replacing, turn the light fixture OFF and ENSURE
the fixture is unplugged from the wall and no power is going to the fixture. During ballast
installation, power to the ballast and fixture must be disconnected at ALL times. Ballast and
fixture must also be grounded as a precaution against possible electrical shock.
2. Find the lamps which do not turn on and determine the socket(s) which are not functioning.
Remove all of the T5HO lamps from the fixture. Set aside in a location where they will not
break or fall.
3. Remove the reflector from the fixture by removing the reflector screws. Set screws and
reflector aside. Follow the wires from the non-functioning sockets and determine which
ballast requires replacement. Again, ensure all power to the fixture is OFF.
4. Carefully identify all of the wires leading from the socket to the non-functioning ballast.
Mark the wires with a marker or piece of tape. Cut the wires to the non-functioning ballast
approximately 1" from the ballast using a pair of wire cutters. Cut black & white power wires
approximately 1" from the ballast as well.
5. Remove the mounting screw holding ballast to the fixture and remove non-functioning
ballast.
6. Position the replacement ballast in place and attach to fixture using mounting screws.
7. Strip about 1/2" of wire insulation from each wire of new ballast and the fixture wires which
will be connected to it. Re-attach black and white wires to ballast wires using wire nuts.
8. Re-attach socket wires by matching color codes and following the wiring diagram on the
ballast. Additional wiring diagrams are also shown here:
Standard 6 Wire Ballast Wiring Configuration
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Replacing ballasts
For nova extreme t5ho fixtures
Step 2 Continued: Ballast Replacement
Standard 8 Wire Ballast Wiring Configuration
"ALLAST
"LUE
2ED
"LUE
2ED
2ED
2ED
"LUE
"LUE
"LACK7IRE
7HITE7IRE
9. Once wires have been all reconnected, install working lamp(s) into the sockets and plug
fixture in. Turn power on and test replacement ballast, ensuring it is working. If not
functioning, unplug the fixture and check to ensure the correct wiring configuration was
done.
10. Re-attach reflector and replace lamps into sockets.
11. Using a damp rag, clean the fixture of any salt creep. Carefully clean the splash lens with
a rag and remove any water or mineral (salt) residue. Allow the fixture & lens to dry before
replacement.
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