Over the past couple of weeks, they have reported that the bulb is taking longer to light (now takes upwards of 10 or more "strikes"). They say that the problem is increasing with time.

What can cause this? They fear that it will simply not strike one day.

Thanks in advance,

Second thing I'd do it check the amp and volt readings right at the moment of strike-up... If the voltage reading (press the "volts" button next to the amp meter) pegs the needle immediately upon power up then it's okay. At the moment the lamp lights it will drop to its normal reading... The amps reading is just the reverse. It should read next to nothing until the moment of ignition then it will immediately jump up to the normal reading. It may take a minute or two after the lamp lights for the readings to fully stabilize. After the lamp heats up to operating temperature the readings will settle down.

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<UPDATE: It appears taht the hours meter isn't operating on this lamphouse. Where can I get a replacement?>

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If your lamp is 4,200 watts (I don't recollect you mentioning the wattage) you're right at about the "safe" life expectancy of the lamp. If the lamp is larger than 4,200 watts, you're definately over. (Larger lamps have shorter life expectancy)

Let the lamphouse cool off. (Maybe even wait till opening the next day) Open the lamphouse and look at the bulb...

((((PUT ON YOUR SAFETY GEAR))))

Is the glass blackened? Have the metal ends turned color? Do the electrodes inside the glass look burned up (melted)? Compare the lamp in question with a new one if you want.
Gordon is right... check the connections while you're at it.

If it looks bad change it. Heck, if it turns out that it really isn't the lamp, you could always put the old one back in and continue the trouble shooting. It's just that changing the lamp is the one of the easiest things to fix. I think you should always try the easiest fixes first. (IMHO)

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Thanks again,

-Matt

When the lamp tries to strike the lamp, does it do it automatically? That system should achieve around 120VDC Open Circuit before igniting.

A 1600W bulb's nominal current is around 65-70 Amps. That power supply is capable of 1600-2000W operation so it has multiple primary and secondary taps on the transformer. The wrong combination of taps might cause a problem.

The heavy leather gloves and apron that welders wear would be good. If you have a face mask but you don't think it's strong enough to save you, maybe a pair of safety goggles would be good to wear under the shield.

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