Fluorecent Lighting- Electronic balasts and cold

[HellaFab]

Hi,

I have a question about electronic balast t8 fixtures.

there is a sale going on right now on some 4 foot t8 light fixtures that I would like to take advantage of. The fixtures though dont have a rating on them for temperature like the ones in the "shop" section, though the sale items do have electronic balasts.


Are all electronic balasts the same in terms of cold weather performance?


It wouldnt normally be an issue to get the shop ones being that they are only a few dollars more, but these sale items are about half off and should save a few hundred dollars for something else if they work.

Thanks,
Matt

 

[tylernt]

Are all electronic balasts the same in terms of cold weather performance?

No, there was a thread here recently where someone's T8s were dim in cold weather.

 

[pattenp]

Regular T8 are cold start to 0 F. T8HO are -20 F

 

[HellaFab]

both the bulb and the fixtures?

 

[pattenp]

Fixture/ballast needs to be HO along with the bulbs for the -20 F.

 

[HellaFab]

I mean are all t8 non h.o fixtures good to 0F?

I wont be in the garage if its colder than that! LOL

 

[pattenp]

I mean are all t8 non h.o fixtures good to 0F?

I wont be in the garage if its colder than that! LOL

Yes, as far as I know.

 

[frankush]

I'd open up a fixture and see what the temp rating is on the ones you're looking at. I picked up cheapo American Flourescent from Menards about 3 years ago. My garage is heated and remains at 55 unless I'm out there. They start out a little dim but come to full brightness quickly. For $28 bucks each, I can't complain.