JBL Cristal Pro UV-C 5W

[MyBrotherJohn]

Hi,

The light in our UV filter stopped working so I changed the bulb (without touching it or allowing it to touch the sides of the crystal enclosure) but it the UV filter still did not light up. The old bulb doesn't look like it has exploded (although there is a small bead of metal rolling inside of the bulb).

Anyone else have this problem? Any ideas what might have gone wrong?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!
Cheers

 

[Glenn407]

The bead is most likely mercury. I know in residential HVAC UV systems I install the ballast is often what goes bad. I'm only guessing small UV lights have one as well.

 

[MyBrotherJohn]

The bead is most likely mercury. I know in residential HVAC UV systems I install the ballast is often what goes bad. I'm only guessing small UV lights have one as well.

Thanks for the reply, Glenn.

I googled on your idea about mercury balls and although it's not elemental mercury (hard ball rather than a liquid bead), it does seem that they may well consist of a mercury based mix of oxides. Seems to be a condensate of the mercury ionisation used to produce the UV light. Piccy below.

Regarding the ballast - thanks for the tip. Given that a bulb change didn't work and the thing is useless as it is, I might have a dig around inside and see if I can replace that. Good thought. Thanks and well appreciated.

Cheers
Simon