On Fri, 23 Jan 2004 19:30:55 -0500, "Peter Reilley"
wrote:

I think that you are probably right on. It looks like I will be changing
some fixtures.

Home Depot has good prices on the real Lithonia shop light fixtures
with real ballasts and real lampholders (that can really be repaired
instead of just tossed and replaced). Their $15 one isn't bad and the
$25 one is nice, with an oversized reflector. If you don't have a HD,
check with Lowes or one of the other biggies.

And look at the Special Order book for lots of other ideas.

Oh, and to get back to the original subject: Yes, lamps can go bad
just sitting around, but after maybe 10 or 20 years. They can lose
their vacuum through flaws in the glass, the seals around the wire
leads at the ends, and other odd stuff.

So if you find some oldies in the rafters try them, worst case you
toss a few bad ones. You can check the filament resistance with an
ohmmeter to toss the no-good used ones.

-- Bruce --