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Bug Zapper Failure

I have an industrial model bug zapper that has lost it's zap. The source voltage 115VAC is paralleled to provide independent line side power for the Ballast for the two four foot backlight Tubes and for the step-up transformer that goes to the execution grid. The backlights are on and AC is present to the step-up transformer. The output of this transformer is negligent. Between the output of the transformer and the terminal screws for the grid there is a device I think is a capacitor placed between the conductors. If I remove the transformer output from the terminals leads I have

700+vac out of the transformer. The device has no markings but is the size and shape of about 6 quarters stacked A wire comes from the center out on both sides and is dipped or painted blue. How can I determine the identity and value of the device and what would be the effect of removing it from the circuit and energizing the unit. All comments and suggestions appreciated,
Reply to
taftalw
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Brand and model might help?

Reply to
Ross Herbert

Flintrol model 8599 label list sec. voltage 4000v 9Ma

Reply to
taftalw

Found label stating Secondary 4000v 9Ma Manufacture Flintrol model

8599
Reply to
taftalw

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My guess is that your bug zapper is fairly old. Flintrol doesn't bring up many useful references in Google. Unless you can get specific info on your unit you are either going to have to find out what the problem is by using your own intelligence and performing some basic tests or give it to someone who can do those things for you. My advice would be to junk it and buy a unit from a manufacturer who has reliable backup and parts - it will probably be cheaper in the long run.

Flintrol appears to be owned by Envirolights Mfg Inc

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and they don't seem to have a website.

Reply to
Ross Herbert

Did you do a google search on "Bug zapper schematics"? It may give you some clues on what the device might be.

Allen

Reply to
Allen Bong

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Just a thought...

your description seems to imply that the whole device consists of the transformer, the fluoro's and this blue gadget across the output wires from the txfmr - is that correct?

If this is so, then the blue thing is either a high voltage capacitor or a high voltage resistor. With a 4kV output you can't run the transformer without some finite load on the secondary otherwise the insulation between adjacent turns/layers will break down and the transformer will be stuffed. In fact that might be what has already happened.

Reply to
Ross Herbert

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Flowtron make a range of bug zappers which appear to be of similar design to your Flintrol - if I am reading your description correctly. They make an 80W unit (2 x 40W fluoro's) which might be equivalent to your 2 x 4ft tube model.

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A spare transformer/ballast for this model will set you back $24 if you want to try that method of repair.

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Reply to
Ross Herbert

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