60 degree start on flourscent?

[AllenB]

I've noticed that the cold start lights are much more expensive than the ones that say they start at 60 degrees. What happens if I operate them in say 20 degree weather. Will they start at all or will they dim or flicker? I can warm the garage up but may take a bit. Thoughts??

 

[HaroRider]

I have regular florecent ge (I believe) bulbs in my garage and they start fine WELL under 60*. Might flicker a bit at startup at around 30*F but otherwise they are ok.

 

[Falcon67]

My old t-12s were real dim in the mid 40s. The new T8s start bright in the 30s.

 

[ForceFed70]

We need to know what package.

I've found that my T8's with electronic balast seem to start almost instantly in temperatures below freezing, but do take a minute or 2 to reach full brightness when it's that cold out.

 

[myrnmartin]

But what about the power consumption, if I want to think in an economical way????

 

[Falcon67]

But what about the power consumption, if I want to think in an economical way????

T8s use 1/3 less power than a comparable T12. That's not some off the cuff internet stat, that's personally measured amp draw after a change out from mag ballast T12 lighting to electronic ballast T8 lighting of the same style and quantity.

 

[Gary S]

The T8 fixtures with electronic ballasts I see on the shelf today are rated at 0 degree startup, and they are cheap.
If you need more than that, you need to use the more expensive HO lights rated at -20 degrees.

 

[HaroRider]

Damn, if your working in a shop that is -32* or even 0* that is crazy. Shouldnt need those kinds of bulbs.

 

[Falcon67]

Damn, if your working in a shop that is -32* or even 0* that is crazy. Shouldnt need those kinds of bulbs.

I suppose that depends on the shop

 

[Gary S]

Damn, if your working in a shop that is -32* or even 0* that is crazy. Shouldnt need those kinds of bulbs.

My shop drops to around +15 degrees if left unheated when outside temp drops to -40. I want my lights to light at that +15 when I walk in there in the morning and start my heaters. The cheap Menards 4' T8s do that, and cost only $12-15 per fixture.

This thread got me thinking. I don't believe I could even find a 60 degree shop light in this part of the country. All of them sold here today are good to 0 degrees.