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[chrisgixer]

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.

[MR MISTER]

Should have a wattage printed on the starter.

[chrisgixer]

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. 

[MR MISTER]

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. 

Err...the same wattage as the bulb it's trying to fire.

[Andy H]

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. 

How long is it? Standard wattages are:
18" 15w
2 foot 18w
3 foot 30w
4 foot 36w
5 foot 58w
6 foot 70w

[chrisgixer]

Old starter 4-80w. It's an 80w bulb. 5ft long.

So I'm using 70-125w starter, as tother is lower at 65w.

[MR MISTER]

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.

[chrisgixer]

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.

means nout to me Esta

[Andy H]

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).

[I_want_an_Omega]

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

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