I'm not sure what all can kill a ballast. Maybe you are getting spikes or brownouts. I would make sure that timer is safe for use at 1000 watts though. If it's one of those cheap plug-in type timers used for turning lights on and off while you are away, it may not be able to handle that much current. If you do have bad power, it can be tricky to nail down if it isn't consistent. What I did was to plug in a UPS. Go to CompUSA or some other computer store and get a 1200VA UPS with Voltage Regulation (Belkin, APC, CyberPower all make them). It will smooth out the current, and run off battery instead of main if it detects a spike or a drop. I've never tried putting 1000 watts through one though, so make sure you buy a big one. The UPS could run you a couple hundred dollars, but if it saves you from blowing ballasts all the time it might be worth it. The UPS can usually log voltage levels if you plug it into a computer, so you could even use it to see if you do in fact have a power problem. If it is power, then at least you will know to call an electrician.

-DH

Could very much an electrical problem in your home...at my school all the fluorecent lights are identical in bulbs, ballasts, etc... but in some regions of the buildings short out constantly and go through bulbs...not to mention them falling from the ceiling during lunchtime...

-j-

I'll go w/ the timer. The timerr has to be able to handle a 1k light....

One thing though, I'd be concerned about a possible fire hazard. Takes alot to burn up a new ballast.

Good Luck.

It was the timer, BTW. Got a new one from the supplier when I got the third and final light;.

Just for kicks, I opened up the old timer. Black and charred inside.

With a 1000w light you will need a special heavy duty timer or a contactor/relay. Anything over 400w will also.

Glad to hear it was just the timer...