I fitted a four foot fluorescent in the kitchen - and now there is
terrible interference on the kitchen radio.
When the light is switched off, the interference stops.

The light has a high-frequency electronic ballast, rather than using a
starter switch. Could that be relevant?

The light isn't earthed - because there was no earth wire at the ceiling
rose .
Could that be relevant?
--
Chris

Chris wrote:
I fitted a four foot fluorescent in the kitchen - and now there is
terrible interference on the kitchen radio.
When the light is switched off, the interference stops.

The light has a high-frequency electronic ballast, rather than using a
starter switch. Could that be relevant?

Yes, the electronic ballasts often spew out a lot of noise across the
spectrum. They shouldn't if they are good quality, but loads do.
Traditional ballast & starter is /much/ quieter.

The light isn't earthed - because there was no earth wire at the ceiling
rose .
Could that be relevant?

Possibly, but on the other hand the earth wire might add to the problems
by acting as an additional aerial. You would need to see if it makes any
difference in your situation.

Steve


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Thanks

In message , SteveE
writes
Chris wrote:
I fitted a four foot fluorescent in the kitchen - and now there is
terrible interference on the kitchen radio.
When the light is switched off, the interference stops.
The light has a high-frequency electronic ballast, rather than using
a starter switch. Could that be relevant?

Yes, the electronic ballasts often spew out a lot of noise across the
spectrum. They shouldn't if they are good quality, but loads do.
Traditional ballast & starter is /much/ quieter.
The light isn't earthed - because there was no earth wire at the
ceiling rose .
Could that be relevant?

Possibly, but on the other hand the earth wire might add to the
problems by acting as an additional aerial. You would need to see if it
makes any difference in your situation.

I have a couple of those:-(

One responds to a sharp tap with the nearest heavy object. The other is
out of reach.

I telephoned the manufacturer about replacement ballasts and overheard
someone in the background mention earth problems with that version.

On stripping out , I found the earth connection was via a steel
retaining strip which is fed through the circuit board and then twisted
to connect to the copper and secure the board. A further tweak cured the
problem for some months but it has now returned.

DOM acquired several of these units on a freecycle basis and might be
able to finish the story. Excellent lights....... when they work!

regards

--
Tim Lamb