Author Topic: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer  (Read 4444 times)
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #15 on: June 03, 2016, 09:38:22 AM » Author: nicksfans
The ones without the capacitor don't lose OCV in my experience. And yes, most of the ones with bad caps will still run one lamp.
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #16 on: June 03, 2016, 11:00:46 AM » Author: Ash
How complicated it is to disconnect the capacitor in the ballast and tap the "before capacitor" wire to outside ? Can it be done with some minor digging into the tar with a knife, without the big work of melting and repotting it ?

Then you can connect a new capacitor from outside, between the new wire and one of the capcitor side wires (Reds ?)

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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #17 on: June 03, 2016, 12:19:32 PM » Author: nicksfans
It's probably harder to do on some ballasts than others. Not worth the effort unless you really feel like doing it for whatever reason.
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #18 on: June 03, 2016, 04:19:21 PM » Author: Ash
Then what about opening the back of the ballast and driving a self tapping screw through the capacitor, to make it into a short circuit ?

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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #19 on: June 03, 2016, 05:00:23 PM » Author: hannahs lights
If you do that it will just keep blowing the line fuse Everytime you switch on



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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #20 on: June 03, 2016, 06:07:00 PM » Author: Ash
The capacitor in US Rapid Start ballasts is not across the input AC as in UK. It is in series with 2 lamps, if we disregard the heating circuit. If we short the capacitor inside the ballast, we can connect a replacement capacitor outside. Only problem remaining the is how to supply the heating
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #21 on: June 05, 2016, 05:54:20 PM » Author: M250R201SA
I'm reading all of these replies, and I just have to ask.  Wouldn't it be easier to just replace the ballasts?  ;D
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #22 on: June 05, 2016, 07:03:35 PM » Author: nicksfans
Yes.
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sol
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #23 on: June 05, 2016, 07:28:00 PM » Author: sol
Well, try cleaning the lamps and channel cover first as it is easier than wiring a new ballast. If that fails (you'll know in a couple of days) then a replacement is in order.

As for fixing a potted ballast, it is possible as there are some members here that have done it however it is quite an undertaking and not something I would do. You can get a NOS rapid start magnetic ballast on eBay or a new electronic ballast for T12 in hardware stores.
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T12


Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #24 on: June 05, 2016, 07:54:56 PM » Author: veryhighonoutput
I've had similar problems with  f96t12HO and a f48t12HO rapid start but it wouldn't come on between 40-50 degrees they had tons of hours and I used on a daily basis it was very weird the ends would glow orange then I'd tap it the f48 would come on but not the f96 I just replaced the ballast and all was good. Your situation sounds like a starter or moisture you should experiment with it and see what it could be?
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Re: Problems with my flourescent lamps starting in the summer « Reply #25 on: June 05, 2016, 09:45:31 PM » Author: M250R201SA
It tends to happen when the humidity is high outside, which equates to high humidity inside.  Cool weather, they work fine.
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