Replies

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Oct 11, 2005 11:01pm | #1

   Replacing the standard ballast with a high output ballast is easily done, but may not solve all of the flicker. You need to change the tombstone sockets to the type that will accept high output bulbs.

    

   Dave

1. 
   TomT226 | Oct 12, 2005 01:16pm | #2

   Guess if I'm gonna have to replace everything, I'll just replace the fixtures.  Would you have any manufacturers or model numbers to look for?  Thanks

2. 
   bigman | Oct 14, 2005 01:37am | #7

   Be very careful replacing standard ballasts with HO ballasts the manufacturers require a 1/4" air gap between the fixture and any combustible surface and they now print that warning all over the HO fixtures due to fire issues.

    

1. 
   DaveRicheson | Oct 16, 2005 03:15pm | #8

   Warnings on the fixtures or the ballast?

   I've replaced about 10 HO ballast so far this year and haven't seen any new warning labels on the ballast.

    

   Dave

2. 
   bosn | Oct 13, 2005 07:27am | #3

   Another option would be to replace the current ballasts with electronic ballasts.  The lamps would be F32T-8.  Check the tempurature rating of what you are going to put in to be sure that they will work in your climate.  The bonus is that the sockets are the same and the lamps are readily available.

   If you haven't drawn blood today, you haven't done anything.

1. 
   maddog3 | Oct 13, 2005 02:53pm | #4

   yet another option is to use plastic sleeves and end caps over the lamps themsleves, they help the lamps warm up faster, but there may still be some flicker a startup...find them next to the lampsat Lowes or that other place"

2. 
   TomT226 | Oct 13, 2005 10:24pm | #5

   Thanks for the tip.  Just got 2 of the F32T-8 dual fixtures, and will install them tomorrow.  They're rated to start as low as 0 degrees F.  If it gets that cold here, flickering lights won't be the only problem...

1. 
   DanH | Oct 14, 2005 01:14am | #6

   Zero F?? Heck, that's a heat wave in January.
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