Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: chrisgixer on 05 September 2013, 19:22:29

Title: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 September 2013, 19:22:29
How do I know I have the right one?

 I have two sorts, both slightly different spec to the original, both work in that the light turns on.

There appear to be a few to choose from, and I know of one light strip transformer that went up in smoke, apparently due to the wrong starter being fitted. Obviously I want to avoid this.

Or, does it matter, and the transformer smoke was a coincidence? I don't believe in coincidence btw.
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: MR MISTER on 05 September 2013, 19:23:47
Should have a wattage printed on the starter.
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 September 2013, 20:12:22
Aww! Have I got to get up from my arm chair, go out to the garage and actually look?

Well ok, but how do I know what wattage it should be?  The old one could be wrong too.  :-X
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: MR MISTER on 05 September 2013, 20:33:24
Aww! Have I got to get up from my arm chair, go out to the garage and actually look?

Well ok, but how do I know what wattage it should be?  The old one could be wrong too.  :-X
Err...the same wattage as the bulb it's trying to fire.
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: Andy H on 05 September 2013, 20:42:28
Aww! Have I got to get up from my arm chair, go out to the garage and actually look?

Well ok, but how do I know what wattage it should be?  The old one could be wrong too.  :-X
How long is it? Standard wattages are:
18" 15w
2 foot 18w
3 foot 30w
4 foot 36w
5 foot 58w
6 foot 70w
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 September 2013, 20:45:20
Old starter 4-80w. It's an 80w bulb. 5ft long.

So I'm using 70-125w starter, as tother is lower at 65w. :-\
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: MR MISTER on 05 September 2013, 20:53:11
Old starter 4-80w. It's an 80w bulb. 5ft long.

So I'm using 70-125w starter, as tother is lower at 65w. :-\
That'll do yer poof. ;D
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: chrisgixer on 05 September 2013, 20:55:58
Old starter 4-80w. It's an 80w bulb. 5ft long.

So I'm using 70-125w starter, as tother is lower at 65w. :-\
That'll do yer poof. ;D
;D means nout to me Esta ;) ;D
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: Andy H on 05 September 2013, 21:02:24
Both starters are suitable for 80watts.

80watts is high for a 5 foot tube (but not that unusual). The actual wattage is controlled by the choke/transformer so the rating on the choke/transformer doesn't want to be higher than the rating on the tube.

Lower is OK (but the tube wouldn't give it's maximum output).
Title: Re: Fluorescent light starters
Post by: I_want_an_Omega on 06 September 2013, 21:38:10
Personally I use electronic starters with flu tubes. They are a couple of pounds a go but make the tube last almost forever as it it isn't stressed at switch on.

something like this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-Pulsestarter-EFS-600-Electronic-starter-for-flourescent-fittings-lamps-/281162044221?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item417690533d (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/10-x-Pulsestarter-EFS-600-Electronic-starter-for-flourescent-fittings-lamps-/281162044221?pt=UK_Home_Garden_Lighting_Parts&hash=item417690533d)

They only seem to be available from specialist suppliers like an electrical wholesaler.

There is a very slight pause after switch-on and then the light comes on nice and solid.

Highly reccommended  :y