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Re: T8s, instant start, and e-ballasts
>1) Do the 18W and 36W power ratings mean that these tubes are not the
>high efficieny tubes referred to on the list rated at 17W and 32W. If
>these tubes are not the high efficiency tubes then what are they?
If they're T8s, they can probably be driven by electronic ballasts.
However, I don't know if Australia labels its lamps differently or has
other specifications. Why don't you ask a commercial or industrial lighting
supplier?
>2) I've read in the archives that only e-ballasts can drives T8s
>properly. I doubt that this is the case here in Australia as it is near
>impossible to find e-ballasts and the only ballasts available are these
>big heavy things which don't look very electronic to me.
The important point is that the ballast and lamp need to be properly
matched to each other. T8 with electronic ballast designed for it; T12 with
electronic ballast designed for it. The ballast usually has a label saying
what and how many lamps it can drive.
Although rapid start (NOT "instant start") electronic ballasts and T8 lamps
are the commercial standard for energy-efficient lighting, one can't easily
find them even in the U.S. One needs to go to an industrial or commercial
lighting store.
>3) And finally I heard someone mention that e-ballasts designed for a
>4' tube shouldn't be used to drive 2' tubes even thought they might work.
>Is this so, and why?
For the same reason you wouldn't use a household extension cord to run
heavy farm equipment. Current and voltage capacity are important.
Greg. Tong
gtong at sirius_com
"Often, the things that change are less interesting than those that stay
the same."--Aaron Fleisher