Replies

1. 
   Bill_Hartmann | Dec 17, 2001 09:01pm | #1

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   People often call household electrical service as 110/220, but in fact it is 120 volt.

   All bulbs will not work with all styles of ballast. Try to find 80 watt or at least 72 watt bulbs.

1. 
   Alan_Ray | Dec 17, 2001 09:18pm | #2

   *rip out the ballast and put in a new electronic, T-8, with the appropriate bulb and it will work in cold weather without flickers as well as be nice and bright.

1. 
   Steve_Weeks | Dec 18, 2001 12:48am | #3

   *Changing the ballasts and bulbs would likely nullify any economic benefit from buying the salvaged fixtures, but it just isn't worth it sometimes to do other than buy the newer technology, particularly if working in an unheated garage.

1. 
   Jack_Lindsey | Dec 19, 2001 10:05am | #4

   *bobski,I doubt that there is a voltage problem. Utilities refer to residential service voltages as 120/240 volt, but most people call it 110 or 220. In fact, the utility service voltage rating is nominal, and the actual voltage usually ranges from 110 to 120+. No problem if it is close to this range. If the voltage is lower the light output will be reduced, but the reduction will be somewhat linear (not 50% at 110 volts) Also, a 75' circuit shouldn't have enough voltage drop to cause the problem you are describing. Probable causes are a bad ballast, a loose connection, or defective,burned out, or improper lamp. Can you provide the manufacturers name and catalog number of the ballast? Is the ballast rated for both 60 watt and 75 watt lamps? What lamp current is specified on the ballast label?Also, does the ballast have have "NO PCB's" printed on the label? That will help identify the age of the ballast and assist in diagnosing the problem.Jack

2. 
   bobski | Dec 22, 2001 05:59am | #5

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   i got some old 2 bulb-8' light units from an old school. probably circa 70's. i put in the recommended 60 watt bulbs. flipped the switch and they only glow at half power. the ballast is 120 volt 60 herts.(sp) question: if my home is wired for 110 volt, is this the problem? ok, if it is...how do i up the volts to get the lights to work w/o blowing up everything else? do i have to use a 110 volt ballast only? the reason im asking is im not sure if its a volt problem or a ballast problem. see, the UG line out to the garage from the house is over 25yards long. i have all my equipment running off one circuit breaker. its a 15 amp breaker in the basement of the house. all the wire is 12 or 14-3 gauge ico code etc...im wondering if its a line problem or if its the ballast? any advice? btw...these ballast dont use the little screw in starters. they are a massive unit in the light about the size of a brick. thanks in advance.