fluorescent basics

On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 15:07:52 -0000, "stuart noble" to it) start. If I can get a warm white 27K tube to go with it, so much the

I've bought fittings like that from WF ELectrical.

THey have their own brand, Alto, which is fairly reasonable.

You could try using the phrase "electronic ballast" in your description.

stuart noble to it) start. If I can get a warm white 27K tube to go with it, so much the

Instant start will significantly reduce the life of the tube.

I thought, however, that electronic control gear *improved* the life of the tube as well as giving faster 'smoother' startup.

From an electronic ballast?

I don;t think so....

True "instant start", with the heaters cold, and tubes not especially designed for it, do indeed reduce the life.

"stuart noble"

A shame their website is being revamped, but I'll ring the local branch. Thanks for the lead.

You may find the following classic thread from 1998 to be entertaining:

"stuart noble" to it) start. If I can get a warm white 27K tube to go with it, so much the

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!

Where shall we go?

Mary>

On Tue, 23 Nov 2004 19:17:03 -0000, "stuart noble"

They have a catalogue with some quite good stuff.

For example, I needed some 3 compartment trunking and components a while back and they were about 40% less than the major brands. The Alto product turned out to be Gilflex, which is a major brand anyway, and the Gilflex name is still on there.

Don't forget to ask for discount, or better phrase the question as though they are going to give you discount.

Thank you thank you thank you ...

Bookmarked for the future!

I though I might offend someone, I'm glad I took the risk :-)

Mary

"Ian Stirling" wrote | > I thought, however, that electronic control gear *improved* | > the life of the tube as well as giving faster 'smoother' startup. | True "instant start", with the heaters cold, and tubes not especially | designed for it, do indeed reduce the life.

But tubes are cheap as chips[1] and last for ages anyway.

Owain

Perhaps he wants it for a disco. Haven't you heard of black light?

(Electronic)Instant start will significantly Increase the life of the tube

Regards Bob

Cheers, Andy.

This area is a confusing mess because terms are not used consistently. To some people, instant start means fully striking the tube within a fraction of a second. To other people, it simply means electronic control gear, unfortunately. Until you actually get hold of the control gear and try it, it's almost impossible to determine which version of "instant start" is meant. In some cases, manufacturers do both variants (e.g. the Philips matchbox ballasts for compact fluorescents), in which case they'll describe the difference in behaviour of the two types. Some time ago, I came across a ballast which was switch selectable (one of the first mains electronic ballasts I saw), but I don't think anyone has donw that for years now.

As an example, I bought a couple of Relco instant start ballasts for 58W tubes. A year later, I bought one more, identical part/model number, and it's now got a 1.5 second preheat. Bummer.

Real instant start will be more punishing on the tube. Personally, I don't care. I just fitted two in a bathroom because I want the light fully on the instant I pull the cord, not 1-2 seconds later.

WF Electrical seem to be a bit more on the ball than anyone else I've approached. Electronic ballast, warm white? You want a high frequency fitting with colour 827, mate. Sounds convincing.....