An apparatus and method for cycling power to a HID ballast and amp in order
to reduce the possibility of arc tube rupture or non-passive end of life
light source failure with a warning indicator indicating impending
momentary power outage. The apparatus comprises a lamp, a ballast, and a
microcontroller operable to generate a warning indicator after expiration
of a pre-selected period of time. The warning indicator indicates
termination of power to the lamp for a predetermined period of time, by
alternatively dimming and increasing the light output of the lamp. After
expiration of the pre-determined period of time, the microcontroller
restores the power to the ballast. The above described process is repeated
periodically in order to reduce the risk of arc tube rupture.
