Fluorescents and Radio Interference

[mrgojo]

This is my first post and I have read many of the problems with fluorescents and radio interference.I have mounted 3 Home Depot Hi Bays (6 T8s each) that are piped in and will be ready to turn on by tomorrow.I also have 2 Home Depot 4'T8s (2 tubes each) in and working now.I have a Sony 200w Reciever in my shop that has a omni directional FM antenna mounted in the attic.This radio always kicked a$$ with great reception.These are marked as commercial lights with RFI filtering,thats why I decided on them.Guess what? I have the infamous hissing now on the radio.I went to home depot tonight and told them how I'm pi$$ed off and was told to call Lithonia tomorrow and tell them about the RFI problem.I,ve spent close to 3 hundred dollars on these lights and get the impression that Home Depot is going to give me the run around.I,m sure its the ballast and if I can't get any satisfaction from Lithonia or Home Depot,does anyone know what would be a good replacement ballast to use or if there is a filter I can put on the reciever to stop the noise?Iknow this is long winded,sorry about that.I'm just frustated.Thanks in advance,this is a awesome site.

 

[carcruse]

You should always do a search first. The issue and solution has been brought up here before. Lithonia has provided others with free replacement ballasts for the 8' 4 tube lights.

 

[mrgojo]

Thanks for your input.I have read many post on this and some have said by replacing their ballast the problem was resolved.I couldn't find however what name or mfr. # of a ballast to use to correct this problem.Thanks.

 

[Tom McDermott]

In FCC terms - commercial equipment is allowed to generate much greater radio interference than is residential equipment.

-- Tom

 

[carcruse]

Thanks for your input.I have read many post on this and some have said by replacing their ballast the problem was resolved.I couldn't find however what name or mfr. # of a ballast to use to correct this problem.Thanks.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=44316&highlight=ballast

 

[mrgojo]

Carcruse thanks for finding that post for me,it answers all my questions.I'm sorry I didn't find it on my own but really appreciate that you did.Thanks everyone.Have a great Spring and Summer.

 

[nehog]

Just for the record, it is also not legal to use items that are rated commercial (and not residential) in a residential neighborhood. You must have a buffer zone (not sure how large) if used in a residential setting because of the relaxed electrical noise requirements for commercially rated equipment.

(Yea, like I've seen this enforced? Never! But, technically it is so...)