Moving MH while still warm - does this cause a problem??

[rayk]

Well, from the other post, you may see I just ran a test with my new VHO rig and my 400W MH.  I turned off the lights after the test, and rolled the frame back over the tank.  Now, the MH won't come back on.......   Did I need to let it cool down before moving it?  Did I ruin another $100 bulb?  Dang it, hope this thing comes back on after I let it cool down a bit more before firing up again.

- Rayk

[MechanicalEngineer]

How long was it after you turned off the lights that you tried to turn them back on?  Most MH need about 15-20 minutes cooling-down time first.  I wouldn't think moving them would cause a problem unless you actually damaged the bulb or wiring.

[rayk]

Okay, wheh... just turned them back on and it is working.  I didn't realize it took a few minutes to cool back down, thanks Reef'd.  I turned them off, slide the frame rack back into place and turned it back on, so only gave it like 2 minutes. 

Thanks again,
- Rayk

[MechanicalEngineer]

No worries.  I had a similar scare like that today.  I accidentally put in a new MH in upside down.  All it did was flicker for a few minutes...then died.  Thank goodness I realized it was just upside down.  I flipped it over...and voila! 

Glad to hear it was just not cooled down.  Always a relief! 

[Secondgen]

How do you know the correct way to put a bulb in? I have heard debates about the nipple on the bulb facing up, or down. Which way is it?

[lazylivin]

Tagging along.

[apelaston]

2nd that.

[MSUJenn]

I believe the nipple is supposed to be facing up, but I could be wrong. I usually just read the instructions that come with my bulb, and then forget about it.

[UDJustin]

with mine i just screw it in the mogul socket (and yes i know you guys are talking about HQI's for those of you who dont get my humor lol)

[quicksilver]

good luck picking a hot one up. And o yah It will melt your carpet.

[UD Flyer]

good luck picking a hot one up. And o yah It will melt your carpet.

That sounds like a lesson learned, any funny stories result from it?

[verper]

The internal nipple is supposed to point up.  If you look at your bulb, the arc tube (inner bulb) has a little bit of mercury rolling around.  The metal needs to stay inside it.  If the nipple is down, where do you think that metal might go?  That is the reasoning - not sure if it is true or not.

I've always seen it recommended that they point up, but I don't see why they aren't ok anywhere from a 9 o'clock to 3 o'clock position.

[MechanicalEngineer]

I'll have to take a second look.  I pointed the bulb in the same nipple direction as the last bulb (I thought), and it wouldn't start.  I realized that the black circle thingy needs to be on the upper side.  (As you can see, I'm really technical here.)  I'll double check on the nipple.  Sorry for hijacking!

[quicksilver]

I did put a hot one on top of a spare tank and it melted all the plastic. and Yah I tryed to put it up after that and it was hot.