T8 ballast recommendations? minimal EMI

[Cogito Ergo Zoom]

I scored a mess of 4-tube 4' troffers from a buddy who is gutting his retail store for a remodel. I want to use them in my 28x34 attached garage that is currently lit in a very pathetic manner. They came with 4-bulb T12 ballasts which I have no interest in using. I would like to switch them over to T8, but I also want to wire them up so that based on task performed I can run either 2 bulbs or all 4 from 2 switches at the wall. I'm assuming I need 2 ballasts per troffer?

From what I've found online, there is an insane range of prices when it comes to T8 ballasts. I know better than to automatically go with the cheapest, but also don't want to assume that $$$ = better. I have to have background music while I work so would like to minimize EMI as much as possible. Anyone have any recommendations on brands/vendors/setups to use or avoid?

 

[Steevo]

You can outfit them with 2 ballasts apiece, each a 2-bulb ballast.
The 2-bulb electronic ballasts are available everywhere, even Lowes and HD.

Here is one at Lowes for $15.97:
http://www.lowes.com/pd_167459-1436...63206&Ntt=ballast&pl=1&currentURL=&facetInfo=

Beware of "Commercial" rated ballasts, as they cause more EMI and RFI than "Residential" rated ballasts do.

 

[FluxCore]

Yup, you need two 2X32T8 ballasts per fixture.

Forget the cheap, hi failure rate chiwanese stuff.

Expect to pay 20-25 bucks each retail for decent quality ballasts.....But DON'T forget to approach any buddy you have who has a jobber account at the local supply house. He can get the same or equal ballast for about 12 bucks thru them.

 

[redpost]

There is definitely a difference among the T8 ballasts, even within product lines, and there are tradeoffs to consider as well. For example, the high-output versions that start quickly down to -20 degrees are brighter than their standard counterparts, but typically are rated as commercial and as noted above, commercial ballasts produce more Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). Take a look at the label info on both the standard and high output versions of the Lithonia T8 fixtures at a store like Home Depot to see the class and rating differences. The size and weight of the ballasts in the high-output version are noticeably larger than in the standard fixture as well. I've talked to a couple of engineers and tech personnel at one ballast manufacturer who state that RF filters are only marginally effective in reducing RFI from commercial ballasts, and the more commercial lights you have the more likely it is that RFI will be an annoyance.