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https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl DIY Forum >> Electrical Questions >> High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings https://www.askthetrades.co.uk/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1095147765 Message started by Lee_Elms on Sep 14^th, 2004, 8:42am

Title: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by Lee_Elms on Sep 14^th, 2004, 8:42am

Are high frequency ballast fluorescent fittings readily available ... I havn't spotted any in the normal DIY outlets ... suggestions as to where they can be obtained (& an indication of cost, if possible) would be very welcome ...

-- Lee

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by L.Spark on Sep 14^th, 2004, 4:58pm

Hey Lee

Unusual topic �for the DIY section, well as you probably know High frequency has many advantages too switch starting, e.g. quiker starting, less power consumption, less strain on lamps/tubes etc

It is more expensive and harder to get hold of, however all electrical wholesalers would be able to order you HF fittings to your requirements, and CEF, if you have a local one, will stock most of the office type fittings in HF, including sealed fittings etc

Unfortunately you wont be able to get HF fittings in the diy outlets, I wouldnt expect the HF fittings to be alot more, but a rough guide would be to add 20% to a switch start fitting to give an idea.

If your looking at having alot of fittings then you may find the cost just a little too much to have all HF, HF is the way forward and more energy conservant but I would stick with switch start fittings if you can, if you could give some indication of where you need these fittings for, and what type of fittings I can give you some prices

hope this helps

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by Lee_Elms on Sep 15^th, 2004, 7:10am

Thanks for the reply.

FYI ... the fittings are for a woodworking workshop ... to avoid possible problems with moving machinery parts appearing stationary due to matching of frequencies. Only
a small number (approx. 4 of 5ft tubes) are required.

I will check out local electrical wholesalers ...

-- Lee

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by L.Spark on Sep 15^th, 2004, 2:39pm

Hey Lee, I see why HF is a particular requirement for you now, with 3-phase you can unbalance them so they flicker at different rates, however HF should solve your problem, be very specific with the wholesaler as they will/may try and give you a switch start, not necessarily on purpose, best to check them once you have them to make sure.

4x double or single 1500mm fittings (58W per tube), should suit well.

Keep us updated �:)

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by Lee_Elms on Sep 15^th, 2004, 2:51pm

Thanks again ...

The thing I'm still not sure about is how many tubes I need.

The area is approx. 5m x 5m, with about 2.5m ceiling.

Walls & ceiling will be painted white (but a lot of the walls will be covered -- storage etc.).

Is 4 x 5ft (58W) tubes (daylight type) likely to be enough light for woodworking ?

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by L.Spark on Sep 15^th, 2004, 3:55pm

Hey again Lee

I would suggest for maximum light output you get double fittings, double 1500mm/5ft tubes, and this well give you enough light for woodworking easily

With regard to the tubes you want they come in the following

White
Cool White
Warm White

White is your best option, your total light power will be 464W, this spread out will give adequate light output for your work, expect to pay around �120 for all the fittings.

The Lamp details are as follows

8x 56W T8 (26mm) Tubes

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by jasonB on Sep 15^th, 2004, 4:27pm

My workshop is the same size (double garage), I have 4No doudle 1500mm fittings and an angle poise over my bench this gives plenty of light. I have standard tubes and have not had any problems with blades strobing.

Jason

Title: Re: High frequency ballast fluorescent fittings
Post by L.Spark on Sep 15^th, 2004, 9:29pm

Thanks for your imput there Jason, Double fittings are always better where you need more concentrated light.