BenB
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| posted on 21/10/13 at 08:03 PM |
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OT: T5 fluoro ballasts
Okay, long story, converting some T5 lights to run on 12v. Got some 12v dc ballasts and they're rated at 21W.
Only problem is I can't find a 2ft 21w bulb. I can find a 24w t5 bulb but is it better to have a bulb rated higher than the ballast or vice
versa. My understanding is that the ballast partially acts as a current limiting device so I would imagine a bulb rated higher than the ballast is
okay. But is it? Websites talk about bad things if you mismatch them- is this still true with electronic ballasts or more with the old magnetic
types?
thank in advance 
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SteveWalker
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| posted on 21/10/13 at 08:35 PM |
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I don't know much about it, but by chance I was reading another forum 10 minutes ago and read that electronic units typically run the tubes at
high frequency (where they are 10% or so more efficient) and that the EU requires electronic units to under-run the tubes, so as to give the same
light output, but reduce power consumption. I don't know how true this is, but if it is the case, your tubes would be could be run at around the
right power anyway!
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BenB
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| posted on 22/10/13 at 08:26 AM |
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Looks like I'll give it a try and see if anything goes pop
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