Antenna Interference Issue

[beand1p]

Hello,

I recently installed 7 Maxlite LSS2XT8USE4803 and 14 WEN-T8-4FT-18WF bulbs.

The light output is great; however, when the lights are on, I lose reception from my antenna in the attic. Last night I kept the switch on and started taking out LED tube lights one at a time. It got to where I had 9 out of the 14 lights removed and the reception was fine, and when I put one light back in, I lost reception.

My thought is that it is something in the bulbs causing the interference? Would you agree? I'm wondering if I could get LED T8 bulbs with low EMI and that might solve my issue? Are these type of lights available?

I need single-ended power T8 bulbs for my housing. Are the Sylvania 75061-75041 T8s from Menards compatible? They say "linear" but not single-ended anywhere.

Thanks.

 

[fasteddie]

With 14 bulbs and one antenna, I would focus on trying to do something with the antenna. Move it around or maybe try putting some kind of metal or foil shielding underneath it.

 

[Jonnynel]

This is common issue on fluorescent light fixtures. I have read on here many times where people had to replace the ballasts to correct it. From what I recall there are commercial and residential ballasts. The residential ballasts are built to not interfere with am/fm/ and tv antenna frequencies. Most of the fluorescent t8 fixtures I have seen at my local big box were not the residential style. Maybe try searching ballast on here and see if you see anything.
As far as taking the bulbs out I don't think the bulbs are causing it I just think when they are out there is no load so maybe the ballast has an auto off circuit built into it to recognize when there are no bulbs installed.
Hope this helps

 

[cybrdyke]

There are drivers inside the LED tube. They are transformers, just like ballasts in fluorescent fixtures. They are causing your interference. You wont find any LED tubes that are listed as 'residential' vs. commercial.
You can try a few things...
Move the antenna wires as far away from the lights as possible.
Use shielded wire for your antenna wire. If using coax cable, get the good expensive kind that has 99% shielding.
If none of that works, switch to wireless tunes from your smart phone and ditch the old technology.
CD

 

[Jazzman442]

Most LED's are terrible for RF interference. I just get a regular bulb and call it a day. Since ouy have so many try moving the antenna out side and using coax. Most bulbs do not have the shielding they need for RF interference.

 

[kd3pc]

Your best bet is to call the manufacturer and ask to speak to one of their tech folks...there are regs for out of band noise generated by their lights. Anything else is a band aid. As Jazz suggests a plain old light bulb may be your best choice.

Is is not an antenna fault or the receiver....these just generate and emanate TOO much noise.

 

[u3b3rg33k]

I don't see an FCC approval for those lights - switching power-supplies are supposed to be listed...

 

[Jonnynel]

Totally missed that you were using led bulbs already. Disregard my last post. Hope you find a solution

 

[beand1p]

Hi all. I fixed my issue. I replaced the WEN-T8-4FT-18WF tubes with Hyperikon T8 LED tubes purchased from Amazon. Reception is fine now.