On Wed, 6 Aug 2008 22:38:20 -0400, "Hal Rosser"
wrote:

Interesting, but from past experience, the results may be just the opposite
a few months later because the source of the components may change over
time.
The components of fluorescent fixtures consists of
The ballast - which is usually outsourced by the fixture manufacturer.
Ballast types vary - GE, Universal, Advance, and several other Ballast
makers sell to fixture manufacturers.
The sockets - usually made by Leviton or Eagle or Rodale - but there are
others.
The lamp (the fluorescent lamp). Usually are not provided by the fixture
manufacturer. Made by Phillips, GE, Sylvania, etc.
Some even have a 'starter'.
--I expect the ballast is the critical component - some are magnetic, some
are electronic - its probably the culprit

I'm curious, what does the ballast do? I see it referred to on light
fixtures I've installed, but I've never quite figured out what it is.

bob
k5qwg




"News Features" wrote in message
...
I'm not sure if this is the right newsgroup for this, but I wanted to get
this information out there to help others.

Our electrician arrived with brand new fluorescent under-counter lights to
install in our new kitchen. I told him, "Hey, I already bought lights at
Expo! Can you simply install mine?"

For some reason he was very reluctant to install my lights. He insisted
that his were just as good, if not better, than mine. I didn't have a
strong preference so I let him install his lights.

When it was finally dark, my wife turned them on to get the full effect.
To my horror, the AM radio two rooms away was instantly and completely
obliterated with RFI. I ran out to the shack and confirmed noise all the
way up to 20 meters.

The next day, I removed his lights and installed mine, and I was extremely
pleased to note not a hint of noise on any frequency, unless the receiver
was 6 inches from the light.

His lights: Bright Inch by Elite Lighting.

Mine: SlimLite by Hera Lighting.
http://www.heralighting.com/hera/slimlite.html

They cost more, but they're worth every penny.

Regards,

Al W6LX