Kitchen Flourescents are humming louder
It’s time that I replaced the flourescents in our kitchen. They are cheap ones put in by the builder 15 years ago.
There are six recessed units, each with two 40 watt bulbs. What would be medium quality replacement units that I could get either at Lowe’s or Home Depot?? Can you give manufacturer and model number?? Current lights are recessed behind plexiglass panels and all operate from one switch. We definitely would prefer units that do not hum!
Thanks!
PlaneWood by Mike_in_Katy
PlaneWood
Replies
Replace the ballast with electronic ballast and don't change out the fixtures.
Bill -
What do electronic ballasts look like? Are they the same size as non-electronic ballasts. How would I know how to identify one? The ballasts I saw at Lowes were more expensive than most of the entire flourescent units. But, they looked like regular ballasts. I saw nothing on them that said they were 'electronic'.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood
The label should say. I have not looked at Lowes, but I know that I have seen the electronic in some of the other stores.
But one way to tell the difference is that they will be ligther than the magnetic ballast.
One thing that you might try is to look at you current onese and see if the ballast are tightly mounted. You might want to mount them with a small rubber washer to keep them from causing the case to become a sounding board.
I'm currently involved in the replacement of about 300 fixtures in the two office buildings I work on. Most will be total replacements, but some will involve retrofitting the ballasts and tombstones (bulb holders/receptacles), as well as the new smaller diameter bulbs made to work with the new electronic ballasts. The new ballast/bulb setup is THE way to go. The light output is more pure and natural, the ballasts are quieter, and the 'flicker' factor is not an issue- 20,000 cycles as opposed to the old type ballasts' 60 cycles. Less likely to trigger seizures! Also the new bulbs will last a heck of a lot longer. Even as the electronic ballasts are more money, it will certainly be returned in energy savings. By the way, in about five years you will be hard pressed to get the magnetic type ballasts, let alone install them in new construction. In my area, the electric utility is paying a rebate on the installation of these new fixtures, an additional incentive since the payback period will be even shorter.
Ken Hill
Wait a minute - If I get electronic ballasts, I will have to change bulbs?? I already have 50 of the standard 40 watt bulbs (Sylvania) that were given to me.
PlaneWood by Mike_in_KatyPlaneWood
Hi, Mike!
Sorry to alarm you. No, you can still use the old type bulbs. Don't know if the flicker is still a factor. I'm a carpenter, not an electrician. Hoping an electrician or someone with more knowledge than I will chime in here!
Ken Hill
Electronic ballasts and tubes are identified by the markings T8.The tube is 1 inch in diameter as opposed to an inch and a half with the T11's.I've read that the next generation of lamps being developed now will be five eighth's in diameter.The pin distance is the same so changing the sockets(tombstones) isn't necessary.Yes, if you change to T8 electronic ballasts you have to change the lamps too.They use half as much electricity as the magnetic ballasts.When you walk into a room you can tell the difference, because ,with T11's there's a slight delay when you flip the switch on, with T8's they light instantaneously (and quietly).
I too love to get stuff free. However, in the case of the 'free' 40W bulbs, you will be paying $4 per bulb in increased power usage over the life of each bulb. (40 W vs 35W @ 8 cents kwhr for 10,000 hour life)
Penny wise, pound foolish?
You have the cost of the bulb, plus the cost of using the bulb.
If the old bulbs are free, they will cost 32 dollars total, (wattage cost), in their lifetime.
The new bulbs will cost 28 dollars wattage cost, in their lifetime. Added to whatever the new bulbs cost to buy, new. If the new bulbs cost 4 dollars a piece, it comes out a draw.Quittin' Time
Edited 8/25/2002 11:51:54 AM ET by Luka
So much of this is very location dependent.
Where I live the non sumer month the electric rate for drops as low as low as 3.3 cents/kWh.
In other parts of the country they are paying over 20 cents.
Also some utilities will give rebate or sell the CFL for a very low price.
I had the same humming problem with large fluorescent fixtures I bought. The electronic ballasts have a sound rating printed on the label (I usually open the box to find it -- it's not on the outside). From experience Class C are noisy, Class A are quiet. The cost of the electronic ballast can equal the cost of a typical, but noisy fixture, but they are well worth it.