On Sun, 13 Nov 2016 14:30:02 -0600, -MIKE-
wrote:

On 11/13/16 12:36 PM, Larry Blanchard wrote:
On Sun, 13 Nov 2016 07:31:47 -0500, dadiOH wrote:

I've never had a tube last more than 18 months without starting
to fail.

My fluorescent experiences...

Business location #1, 13 years, never changed a tube

Business location #2, 16 years, never changed a tube

Current residence, 20 years, about half have been changed/replaced


It does seem to depend on the site - probably the quality/stability
of the electric supply.

My previous shop, a free standing shed, did have to replace tubes
every year or two. My current shop is in the garage and I wired it
myself. Been there 4 years and had one tube out of 18 burn out.



May also have to do with price/quality.
As others have pointed out, the ballasts are a huge part of the equation.
Last time I install florescent tubes, I didn't feel like spending 150
bucks per fixture, which is what a good commercial/industrial one
can cost.

I think you're onto something there. For the number of hours a
fluorescent will run in a home, it's probably not worth the more
expensive ballast.