Bug Zapper Failure

[[email protected]]

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,

 

[Ross Herbert]

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,

Brand and model might help?

 

[[email protected]]

Brand and model might help?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

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

 

[[email protected]]

Brand and model might help?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

Found label stating Secondary 4000v 9Ma Manufacture Flintrol model
8599

 

[Ross Herbert]

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

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
http://www.thomasnet.com/heading.ht...3000&searchpos=2&cid=10043458&navsec=products

and they don't seem to have a website.

 

[Allen Bong]

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,

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

Allen

 

[Ross Herbert]

Found label stating Secondary 4000v 9Ma Manufacture Flintrol model
8599

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.

 

[Ross Herbert]

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

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.
http://www.mosquito-zapper.com/bug-zapper_BK-80.htm

A spare transformer/ballast for this model will set you back $24 if
you want to try that method of repair.
http://www.mosquito-zapper.com/Bugzapper_accessories_bk80_transformer_ballast.htm