"Chris Friesen" wrote in message ...
Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Since a traditional magnetic ballast is is just a transformer/inductor, I'd like to hear why you
believe that cold affects their performance.

The tube is cold, resulting in lower vapour pressure, making it harder to start.

Electronic ballasts can get around this by putting more power into the tube when it's being
started, then easing off once the tube hits normal operating condition.

As you say, magnetic ballasts are pretty basic, so they can't vary their output.

Chris

Actually there are special magnetic ballasts made for low-temperature operation. Google "low
temperature ballast" (with the quotes) and you'll get a ton of information.

Eric Law