Probably a simplistic question which confuses me.
Since a ballast presents a fixed impedance with series with the bulb, it limits the current through the later, but at a fixed value.
So, connecting a smaller power bulb to a higher power ballast is not recommended, because the ballast will let a current dedicated for a bulb with the same power rating as the ballast. The shorter tube will dissipate a power higher than recommended and this will shorten its life?
Or I am wrong?
Or the direct question is - can I power an 8W T8 bulb with a 18W electronic ballast? A bit confused... 😕
Since a ballast presents a fixed impedance with series with the bulb, it limits the current through the later, but at a fixed value.
So, connecting a smaller power bulb to a higher power ballast is not recommended, because the ballast will let a current dedicated for a bulb with the same power rating as the ballast. The shorter tube will dissipate a power higher than recommended and this will shorten its life?
Or I am wrong?
Or the direct question is - can I power an 8W T8 bulb with a 18W electronic ballast? A bit confused... 😕
T8 bulbs come in a variety of wattage ratings, is yours actually an 8 watt lamp? If so you need the appropriate ballast for that lamp size.
32W is a common wattage for a T8, but apparently they are available in a variety of wattages down to 10W or so. (I use F32T8 in fixtures originally designed for F40T12, and in one case had to change the ballast)
32W is a common wattage for a T8, but apparently they are available in a variety of wattages down to 10W or so. (I use F32T8 in fixtures originally designed for F40T12, and in one case had to change the ballast)
50AE, the ballast model is related to the mains voltage (eg. 220V in Bularia ?) and the nominal tube operating voltage (circa 100V say) and the current (I) required for that tube. Which means the ballast presents an impedance of approx ~ (220-100)/I.
If the tube needs less current then the impedance has to be greater, meaning the ballast inductance has to be greater (but its current rating is less, so physically it is a smaller).
As an aside, I often use flouro ballasts as HT chokes in restoring old valve amps, as we use 240VAC mains, and so 13W ballasts are nice and small and provide about 3H with a DC current capability out to at least 150-200mA. I have a few 18W ballasts that are larger and measure about 1.6 - 1.8H, but still usable for valve amps 🙂
If the tube needs less current then the impedance has to be greater, meaning the ballast inductance has to be greater (but its current rating is less, so physically it is a smaller).
As an aside, I often use flouro ballasts as HT chokes in restoring old valve amps, as we use 240VAC mains, and so 13W ballasts are nice and small and provide about 3H with a DC current capability out to at least 150-200mA. I have a few 18W ballasts that are larger and measure about 1.6 - 1.8H, but still usable for valve amps 🙂
He's got an electronic ballast I believe. I haven't seen an old school inductive ballast here in more than a decade. (except in my house!)
Look for an LED which will fit the fixture.
LEDs are more efficient even than fluorescents with electronic ballast, and no toxic Mercury or sharp glass when they break.
In the 48-inch size there are several choices. Not sure about smaller tubes.
LEDs are more efficient even than fluorescents with electronic ballast, and no toxic Mercury or sharp glass when they break.
In the 48-inch size there are several choices. Not sure about smaller tubes.
My issue is a bit in reverse. I have two 300mm T8 8W UV tubes, but I'm not able to find them a body, at least on the local market here and I'm in a hurry a bit.
One possible solution could be the buyiнg longer bodies and adapting the socket to size, but the power ballast issue stays the same.
Or...
I will just provide an 8W ballast for each tube, sockets and mount everything locally.
It's about a custom UV lamp that will be used for a few hours, charging luminescent powder containing accessories, nothing more. So efficiency doesn't matter much here.
One possible solution could be the buyiнg longer bodies and adapting the socket to size, but the power ballast issue stays the same.
Or...
I will just provide an 8W ballast for each tube, sockets and mount everything locally.
It's about a custom UV lamp that will be used for a few hours, charging luminescent powder containing accessories, nothing more. So efficiency doesn't matter much here.
Just to avoid confusion, I believe that a European T8 is different from an American T8. Our T8 can use a choke ballast (e.g. one intended for T12), but US ones need an electronic ballast. This may or may not help the OP.
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