Help broken PC fixture?

[bandit]

Hi, I have a current USA orbit 36" PCM light fixture. One of the bulbs just burnt out so I replaced it and it burnt out  right away. The bulb turns black on about 2 inches up from the pin and just flickers.

Any idea of where to start to fix this?

[robt18]

Did you put a 55 watt bulb on a 65 watt ballast? I wouldn't think it would blow it that quickly but I guess it's possible...

That's my best guess.

EDIT: Sorry, wont be 55/65, will be 96 and something else (lower)

[bandit]

nope, 2 96w and i tried other older bulbs i have and they work for about a day and then burn out

[Papou]

Check the output voltage on the ballast on start up if it peeks to high that could cause the bulbs to burn premature .
Also the sockets on each end bad contact to bulb socket on startup will cause it to ark and short electrode on bulb ends ( black bulb tips )