New Tread on T8 lights

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woodnick

New User
Nick
I just spent the last hour on the Web researching T8 ballast my guess is the FCC 47 cfr part 18 compliance, so who is the electronic's expert that can explain this. Is the shop a commercial environment?
 

cskipper

Moderator
Cathy
Nick, I am obviously not the person who knows the answer as I don't even understand the question. I'll bump it back to the top and see if someone can help.
 

Glennbear

Moderator
Glenn
I am not an expert on T8 lights, I hate dealing with the two little connector pins so I went with T12 in my shop. The FCC quote on the ballast is regarding possible radio/electronic device interference (radio buzz) ballasts are becoming electronic more often than magnetic because of a government deadline coming up in the not too distant future.
 

RayH

New User
Ray
Nick,

The store where you bought the ballast should be able to tell you if the "no residential" restriction is based on the FCC classification or some other code requirement.

The "correct" answer is probably to call your local building inspector, explain the circumstances, and see what your options are.

Depending on where your shop is, you might also try installing one of the ballast and see if it screws up any nearby radio, tv, ham radios, pacemakers. As long as you do not have a bed and/or kitchen in your shop, I think you have a good case that it is not "residence."

Usual disclaimer: :eusa_hand:eusa_hand I am neither a lawyer nor electrician, nor do I play one on TV. Take my thoughts for what they are worth -- which probably is not much.

Hope this is helpful.
Ray
 

MIKE NOAH

New User
Mike
FWIW I just installed 6 of these units http://www.homedepot.ca/webapp/wcs/...ode+matchall&recN=112580&N=0&Ntk=P_PartNumberin addition to 4 similar t12 fixtures that I already had. The small boombox style radio in my shop went from picking up several radio stations from up to 80 miles away to only being able to pick up 1 local station. I never had any interference problems with the t12's magnetic ballasts but these t8 (probably not the best quality)ballasts were a disappointment for me. The instant "on" in cooler temps is nice but I will probably either end up trying a "debuzzing" coil I believe it's called or eventually replace the balllasts.
Mike
 
M

McRabbet

I bought 8 of these 2' x 4' troffers at my local BORG about 3 years ago and they are great as shop lighting (they come with the T-8 bulbs and have a 6-foot long metallic whip for easy hookup to ceiling boxes). I hung them on short chains with "S" hooks. At about $40 each, they are great -- I've never noticed any radio interference.
 

woodnick

New User
Nick
I got the low down on Consumer vs Commercial applications. I talked to "Donna" at GE this morning and she told me that this unit does not have all the filters to stop radio interference in it, but as long as every thing is WELL grounded it will work just fine. That suits me to a "T" because I double ground everything.
 

Steve W

New User
Steve
If you can get your hands on some line filters (Cor-Com is one popular brand) you can wire them in near the fixture(s).

Check Radio Shack to see if they stock any of them. You shouldn't need too high a capacity filter. Other electronics places like Digi Key stock them.

I am not a lawyer or an electrician, but I am a ham radio operator.

:kermit: Steve
 
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