humming or buzzing fluros

[Pulpo]

My cheap fluro lights make a slight humming noise.

What is it?

The tubes?

The starters?

Or the whole fitting needs replacing?

Any suggestions or thoughts.

Need some quite time, with the lights on.

Thanks

Pulpo

[HavinaGo]

The "ballast".

Fluro lights strike an arc and then maintain that arc between the two ends of the tube. To limit the current in the arc (we don't want welding type activity in the light :) ) an inductor (or ballast) is used. This is many turns of wire wound around a laminated iron core well insulated (or potted). Given there is 50Hz Alternating Current applied anything metal in the ballast (ie the laminations in the iron core) start vibrating in response to the alternating magnetic field from the alternating current.

Cheap fitting -> cheap ballast -> not as well put together -> more likely to have floppy bits -> more likely to make noise!

Peace needs new ballast (easier to get new fitting) :(

[petermcb]

I confer with Havinago. You could get a new ballast from an electrical wholesaler (Auslec, Lawrence & Hanson etc) however installing it is really a job for a sparkie.

[nev25]

Get a new Fluro installed
Mose of the new ones have electronic ballast
No noise, instant turn on

[Pulpo]

Just so the sparkie doesn't install cheap fluros.

How much for a good two fluro tube fluro light.

Would they make any humming or buzzing noise?

Should I get separate tubes?

Thanks

Pulpo

[Andy Mac]

Hi Pulpo,
To repeat some advice I received when I first joined the Forum...we were discussing suitable lighting for the shed when I complained, as you have, about that buzzing noise: Hurry up and go deaf!:D

Cheers,

[Dirty Doogie]

My new twin 32w fluoro's make a clunking noise when they are turned on - no buzzing or humming during operation. What cuases this ??

[another termite]

Just so the sparkie doesn't install cheap fluros.

How much for a good two fluro tube fluro light.

Should I get separate tubes?

Thanks

Pulpo

You can always go and buy the fluros yourself and then just get them installed by the sparky that way you get the electronic ballast (quiet) ones you want.. knowing some sparkys just because they tell you it is a good one doesn't mean that it is (I am a sparky as well) but they may be happy to charge you the price.

As for the tubes most fittings come with them but if you want ones that are a different colour to those supplie then you can always get them as well.. I use colour 86 in my shed gives a nice white light i think most are supplied with colour 84 (a warmer colour with more orange to it) Just make sure they a triphospher tubes (brighter)

[another termite]

My new twin 32w fluoro's make a clunking noise when they are turned on - no buzzing or humming during operation. What cuases this ??

Is it as they first come on and the arc is being struck in the tube (the flickering)?

[Ivan in Oz]

G'Day Guys,

Do modern Flouros still work at 50Hz?
Even the electronic and 32Volt ones.

What was a problem was the Stroboscopic effect.

Things in a lathe would appear to be 'SLOW' or even 'STOPPED'
This was dangerous for anyone not familiar with this,
or just not concentrating on what they're doing.

oh!!!!:oo:
Already here:((

:D
http://www.woodworkforums.ubeaut.com.au/showthread.php?p=28421

[Dirty Doogie]

hi termite - yes it only happens when they first come on or rather just as they begin to light. it is quite a loud noise .

[Pulpo]

I have replaced a few tubes with Tri phosphorous and they are just brilliant.

The humming is of course still there.

I will have a look at some decent fluros and see how they compare with the cost of an electronic ballast separately.

Thanks for the help.

Pulpo