On 11 Aug, 13:54, Part timer wrote:
On 11 Aug, 13:03, Sidney Endon-Lee wrote:



Hi all,

I've searched the group on Google groups and found two relevant
threads:

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk..../thread/6371a7...

http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk..../thread/1acd56...

In one of them the starters from Tabelek are recommended.

http://www.tabelek.co.uk/product-300...c-fluorescent-...

Does that recommendation still hold?

I'm after starters that don't either (a) wait an interminable interval
before deigning to start up the lamp or (b) go
blink...blink...blink...blinkety-ahah!

I've been using standard Osram ST111s, and even with a new starter and
a new tube, the behaviour is generally (b).

Personally, I like the light to come on in a reasonably short period
after I've flicked the lightswitch, and not try and give me an
epileptic seizure while doing so.

The alternative is wiring in an electronic hf ballast - is this Part P
covered? If not, any recommendations on that score, and gotchas and
things to avoid?

Thanks,

Sid

Those starters cost money, the light will still hum and be
inefficient.

I thought the same until a couple of weeks ago but it really isn't
difficult to get your hands on and fit an HF electronic ballast. I
used eBay to obtain a Philips 2x58W. Other decent makes are available.
Here is the thread I started:http://groups.google.co.uk/group/uk..../thread/7bc550...
If you can use:
a screwdriver to release terminal block screws,
a screwdriver (and maybe pliers to prevent a nut spinning) to remove
the fixings on the old ballast(s),
wire strippers to strip 8-9mm of insulation off for the push-fit
terminals on the new ballast,
a drill to make an extra hole to fit a screw through (electronic
ballasts tend to be longer although the other dimensions are more
compact)

Part P didn't enter my thought processes. It's no different to
changing an entire fitting (which I believe is allowed anyway).
Work methodically, isolate the fitting, don't rush, follow the wiring
diagram on the ballast and double check your work. You'll be fine and
wonder why you didn't do it before.

I changeed the starters in my (at times very) cold shed with something
like this:

http://www.tabelek.co.uk/product-um2...be-starter.asp

They used to flicker and not always start at all in cold weather. I
now have a clean start with no flicker within a second. Not expensive.

Jonathan