RV 12vdc Fluorescent Ballast Question

[38Chevy454]

Trying to figure out a fluorescent light issue in my RV. I have a fixture with two T8 15w bulbs. I tried new bulbs and still not working. Pretty sure the ballast is no good. The ballast in the light is an electronic type, but not a std kind that I can find any P/N or other ID. I am trying to fix this cheap, can I use a generic ballast made for 12vdc fluorescent that is good for 40w and the wiring is for 1 single fluorescent bulb? The generic ballast has only 1 wire for output and 1 wire for return for the bulb in the diagram shown on the part.

Couple questions:
1. Will that generic 40w ballast work, my load is only 30w?
2. Do I wire the two bulbs for my fixture in series or parallel?

Thanks for the help, Terry

 

[ForceFed70]

No, the 40W ballast won't work unless it's specifically designed to detect lamp type/wattage and adjust. That's pretty rare.

I recommend you swap to a LED fixture. I know you said "cheap", but LED fixtures are getting cheap and likely won't cost much more than a replacement ballast.

 

[38Chevy454]

Thanks for the advice, guess I will have to look for LED alternative. For sure I can find an LED retrofit that is less than having to buy a whole new fixture.

 

[Tim65GT]

$14
https://www.amazon.com/LED-Interior-Lighting-4000-4500K-48X2835SMD/dp/B01MXSQV69/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1505321765&sr=8-12&keywords=rv+led+fixture

 

[Backpack Hunter]

I also recommend looking for an LED replacement.
The light listed above is more inline with your standard 12v RV interior lighting. It will not be as bright as your fluorescent light.

Esse quam videri

 

[nehog]

I have a box full of these ballasts and tubes. AFAIK, all ballasts are good, most of the tubes are good. Free to anyone who either picks them up, or pays shipping (about $15 for a flat rate box.) Several different sizes, double 15 and double 7.

I upgraded to LED, lower current draw, better light.

 

[Will S.]

I have a box full of these ballasts and tubes. AFAIK, all ballasts are good, most of the tubes are good. Free to anyone who either picks them up, or pays shipping (about $15 for a flat rate box.) Several different sizes, double 15 and double 7.

I upgraded to LED, lower current draw, better light.

Thinking about doing similar in my RV. Would you supply a link to the LED's that you used? If you were to do the job over, would you pick the same lights?