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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> Motion sensor and fluorescent lights https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1260893740 Message started by benniegibson on Dec 15^th, 2009, 4:15pm

Title: Motion sensor and fluorescent lights
Post by benniegibson on Dec 15^th, 2009, 4:15pm

Hi,
Hoping someone in this group can help with strangeness that has started after replacing a failed ballast for fluorescent lighting. This lighting is on a motion sensor that worked great prior to replacing the ballast. Now, when set in motion sensing mode and if the lights have not been on recently, they flash for 10-20 seconds before finally fully illuminating. If I switch to "ON" (not motion sensing), the lights come on fully and immediately. This just started with the replacement ballast - worked fine before hand (and two other fixtures are working like this as well).

I know fluorescent have their peculiarities and it's almost as if there is a combination of how much voltage the motion sensing mode is sending and something possibly about my ballast replacement causing this. Any ideas or pointers will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks :-?

Title: Re: Motion sensor and fluorescent lights
Post by Lectrician on Dec 15^th, 2009, 4:31pm

Some PIR 'motion sensors' do state that they are not suitable for flourescents. I expect the manufacturers say this because their product can be iffy with flourescents. Perhaps you changing the ballast tipped it over the edge in some way.

What type/size of ballast is it? HF or Switch Start? Is it the same as the one it is replacing? Do the lights work as expected when you disconnect this one fitting?