fluorescent troubles

[davelerave]

fitted 4 'alaska' brand 5ft twin corrosion proof w/magnetic ballast and T8 tubes last week
supplied by CEF

everyone of them seemed to be faulty-take off the cover or give them a tap and they'd come back on

eventually i put it down to the end caps-voltage was ok and i don't think it was the cold

just wondering had anyone a similar issue


also was wondering what sort of temperature the corrosion proofs are reliable at

afaik the electronic ballast fittings are more reliable at low temperature?

thanks

 

[WDMDL]

5-footers with conventional ballasts are generally ok starting at low temps, it's the 6- and especially 8-footers that struggle.
T8 lamps will take a while to reach full brightness

As you say, likely poor quality end caps.
Were the tubes aligned correctly? Not all of them have an index mark for the rotating holders.

Electronic ballasts can be more reliable - just check the spec for minimum strike temperature - not all of them go below freezing!

Simon.

 

[davelerave]

thanks