[Shop-talk] Fluorescent ballasts in the cold

[David Scheidt]

On Nov 19, 2007 10:22 PM, Randall <tr3driver at ca.rr.com> wrote:
> I believe it's the tube that needs to be warm.
>
> Just letting them flicker might shorten bulb life a bit (I think each
> flicker is like another starting cycle); but I don't believe it's very much.
> One of mine flickers below 60, and I haven't noticed that it burns bulbs out
> any quicker than the other fixtures.
>

It is the tube that needs to be warm.  Fluorescents are arc lamps.
The arc is easier to strike at higher temperatures.  Electronic
ballasts use high-frequency AC, which makes them start easier.  The
ones in my unheated shop start when it's well below zero ambient
(though it's somewhat warmer in the shop, of course.)  We've installed
some exterior CFLs in the spotlights outside, which claim to work to
-10 or so, we'll see if that's true this winter.

There are bulbs that will work better in cold weather -- Freezer cases
used to use special tubes, but I suspect everyone has gone to
electronic ballasts by now.  The ballasts aren't that expensive, about
$20 a piece.

-- 
David Scheidt
dmscheidt at gmail.com