THE BASICS

Whenever possible, "group relamp" before lams fail. Using trained staff to replace all lamps at about 70 present of rated life can prevent many types of installation failures and allow fixture inspection and early detection of problematic conditions (such as overheating).

Don't hot relamp.    Installing a lamp into an energized socket combines mechanical and electrical stresses on the lamp, and can contribute to early failure. It also violates OSHA regulations.

Carefully match lamps and ballast's.   many failures result from unwitting mismatches that create poor electrical conditions for lamps -- even though mismatched equipment may work for a while at first. Compatibility information is found on the ballast label.

Document equipment purchases and replacements.  Keeping track of the age and history of lighting components can help uncover problems.

Be inquisitive.  When an early failure is detected, follow the trail back to the root cause rather than just replacing the failed component.

Train staff thoroughly and continuously.  the continual accumulation of knowledge and date is the best defense against expensive lighting failures.