problems with the new efficient T8 ballasts

[friendly_jacek]

I converted T12 fixture in my kitchen to T8 lamps a couple of years ago. Much better lighting quality with less power consumption. The problem is, the brand new Sylvania T8 ballast died 2 years later. The old T12 ballasts were still good after 15 years of service.

I searched the net and failing electronic T8 ballasts is a widespread problem. Welcome to the better new things.

 

[zpinch]

Maybe because they are smaller and higher heat, lesser quality perhaps... makes for a piece of garbage.

Check out SWITCH LED lighting, very good quality bulbs, high up front cost, but will last decades under normal use. LED's are the future of home and automotive lighting

 

[SrDriver]

LED tube replacement uses the same fixture and does not need nor use a Ballast.

I wonder too if they use even less energy than the T8 bulbs?

 

[Quest]

Originally Posted By: zpinch
Maybe because they are smaller and higher heat, lesser quality perhaps... makes for a piece of garbage.

Check out SWITCH LED lighting, very good quality bulbs, high up front cost, but will last decades under normal use. LED's are the future of home and automotive lighting


LOL! not due to heat, mainly due to inferior components used inside their SMPS design.

Don't bet on LED being longer lasting at this stage for your purchase is still being driven by those beancounters who cut quality on their SMPS design inside.

Q.

 

[tom slick]

Are the T8 ballasts instant start or programmed start? Are they matched to the bulbs, i.e. if the bulb is a 32 watt the ballast is for 32 watt?

Previously I've installed Philips Advance ballasts with few problems but that was several years ago.

 

[Rand]

just cheap low quality chinese ballasts.

 

[friendly_jacek]

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Are the T8 ballasts instant start or programmed start?


It was a programmed rapid start. I replaced it with an instant start. I know it gives less lamp life, but it was the only spare one I had. It was a bit a pain as I had to rewire the fixture for instant start ballast.

Originally Posted By: tom slick
Are they matched to the bulbs, i.e. if the bulb is a 32 watt the ballast is for 32 watt?


Yes. 32W T8 lamps and 32W T8 ballast. 4 lamp fixture and 4 lamp ballast. I know 4 lamp ballast fail early if they drive less than 4 lamps.

Originally Posted By: tom slick

Previously I've installed Philips Advance ballasts with few problems but that was several years ago.


I did some searches and Advance are the best ballasts. Sylvania and TCP are junk and GE are somewhere in the middle according to electricians on various forums.