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1 answer
129 views

How can you use ballast-powered flouresecent lamp outputs to power LEDs?

We have a 2G11-socket 36W germicidal UVC lamp in our air ducts (Honeywell UC36W1006), and since UV-C LEDs are readily available, I thought maybe I could make a PCB with a bunch of UV-C LEDs on it as a ...
KJ7LNW's user avatar
  • 2,200
2 votes
2 answers
1k views

Understanding the specs of an electronic ballast (UV-Tubes)

I got lost on the topic of selecting the right electronic ballast for 4 UV-tubes (Cosmolux S pink 15W). I have learned about magnetic ballasts and starters, about electronic ballasts and connecting ...
Stefan's user avatar
  • 23
-1 votes
1 answer
372 views

Efficiency or longevity issues when using 2 lamps on a 4-lamp fluorescent ballast?

To answer this question I guess we need to know the circuit construction details of commercial electronic fluorescent ballasts. Is there a downside (either power efficiency or ballast longevity) when ...
Peggy Schafer's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
242 views

Repurposing CFL ballast for different bulb (UVC)

I am attempting to repurpose the (electronic) ballast contained within a CFL lamp to power a UV-C bulb (mercury discharge, uncoated tube) for disinfection purpose, and out of general interest in ...
Blkbox's user avatar
  • 11
0 votes
1 answer
2k views

Can a fluorescent light electronic ballast fail and still supply voltage?

I am trying to debug a failed fluorescent light fixture. T8, 1x36W. I have checked the tube (vs. both a new one and a known working one), and this is not the problem. So I thought it must be the ...
pyguy's user avatar
  • 11
14 votes
1 answer
12k views

Why is my fluorescent tube orange on one side, white on the other and dark in the middle?

I have a ~60 cm fluorescent tube light that is failing. ~10 cm on one end glows orange, ~10 cm on the other end glows blue-white (normal fluorescent light color) and the middle 40 cm is dark. ...
uhoh's user avatar
  • 3,489
0 votes
2 answers
5k views

Fluorescent tubes in series?

Is it possible to use fluorescent tubes wired in series, provided that the ballast can supply a high enough voltage and power? Problem description F28T5 are too long (4ft) for me, so instead I plan ...
goweon's user avatar
  • 115
0 votes
1 answer
318 views

How can I test a ballast circuit without?

I have an old table lamp. I want to repair it. It has an external ballast circuit and 9 watt fluorescent lamp (PL). I don't know the circuit is working or not. Is there any way to check it without ...
palash's user avatar
  • 33
1 vote
2 answers
184 views

Why does compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) save more energy?

I read information about fluorescent lamp and compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) but I still don't understand why CFL saves energy and produce the same amount of light? Maybe the electronic ballast ...
Michael George's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
803 views

Run 12v Incandescent Bulbs off Fluorescent Ballast

Can I use a 120v AC to 12v AC electronic transformer to power 12v bulbs? I have a 150 watt transformer that I tried connecting to a single 10w incandescent bulb, but the bulb just flickers at a low ...
Ethereal's user avatar
  • 117
3 votes
1 answer
330 views

Improvized small aquarium lighting

I have a small aquarium that has been illuminated so far by a 15W fluorescent lamp. The problem is that the ballast has broken (melted) after 2 years of use, and the only replacements I could find on ...
Alex's user avatar
  • 133
13 votes
2 answers
12k views

Serial capacitors in electronic ballast of a fluorescent lamp

Recently I repaired one broken electronic ballast of a linear 30W fluorescent lamp. Now it seems to be working as expected, but I had to make some changes to it and I'd like to ask if you see any ...
Al Kepp's user avatar
  • 3,031
17 votes
2 answers
10k views

Electronic Drivers for Fluorescent Lamps: How is the DC-to-AC Conversion done?

Pretty much all (somewhat inaccurately named) electronic ballasts for fluorescent lamps run off a DC voltage and have to convert it into AC to operate the lamp. The DC supply can come from rectified ...
zebonaut's user avatar
  • 18.6k