Electricians or know-how only

Speedy Petey · 08-16-2008, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ultimate_balance

Do I need a "starter" for compact fluorescent? If not, then what does a starter do?

What does it say in the wiring diagram?
Chances are it does not need a starter. I haven't seen a new ballast need a starter in many years, especially newer electronic ballasts.

What does a starter do, exactly, I have no idea. I never did know.

Stubbie · 08-16-2008, 10:11 PM

I'm not certain either, I think they are a time delay mechanism or a closed switch that stays closed a bit to give the filaments at each end of the bulb time to heat up some then the switch/starter contacts open and the bulbs lights up. So I'm guessing they may be like small capacitors and give that needed electrical boost to the filaments that get the electrons flowing through the entrapped gas. Can't remember what they call it ...ion something.

Ultimate_balance · 08-16-2008, 11:13 PM

heres the diagram for what i'm using guys:
http://www.fulham.com/images/WDgifs/wire7.gif

the problem with this one is that it actually shows all four pins, while the lampholder reduces this into two receptacles (something like this):
http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/P...e_3/AALEP6.JPG

this is what the back of my bulb looks like:
http://genet.gelighting.com/LightPro.../r00463v29.jpg

i was wondering "theoretically" how I would get them paired up?

also I have come across one final issue, with the ballasts firmly secured to a non-flammable surface, I want to plant a switch to turn my lights on and off, do I plant it on the positive wire or the negative wire (or does it matter)?

Big Bob · 08-17-2008, 08:59 AM

Switch the positive ( hot leg) going to the ballast.

This is usually black...

Ultimate_balance · 08-17-2008, 01:11 PM

thank you

Big Bob · 08-17-2008, 04:23 PM

For good theory and background you might want to visit sites like GE and Phillips... have fun...be careful....and don't burn the place down..

many other ways to do what you are going after.

visit (ASL) American Scientific Lighting on the www. they have their own super smart ballasts... have embraced GU 24 energy star tech, ... have been working with PL lamps for over 25 years....

there is no greater blessing than being happy in your work.

08-16-2008, 10:11 PM	#17
Stubbie UAW SKILLED TRADES Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kansas Posts: 4,584	Electricians or know-how only I'm not certain either, I think they are a time delay mechanism or a closed switch that stays closed a bit to give the filaments at each end of the bulb time to heat up some then the switch/starter contacts open and the bulbs lights up. So I'm guessing they may be like small capacitors and give that needed electrical boost to the filaments that get the electrons flowing through the entrapped gas. Can't remember what they call it ...ion something.

08-16-2008, 11:13 PM	#18
Ultimate_balance Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 13	Electricians or know-how only heres the diagram for what i'm using guys: http://www.fulham.com/images/WDgifs/wire7.gif the problem with this one is that it actually shows all four pins, while the lampholder reduces this into two receptacles (something like this): http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Images/P...e_3/AALEP6.JPG this is what the back of my bulb looks like: http://genet.gelighting.com/LightPro.../r00463v29.jpg i was wondering "theoretically" how I would get them paired up? also I have come across one final issue, with the ballasts firmly secured to a non-flammable surface, I want to plant a switch to turn my lights on and off, do I plant it on the positive wire or the negative wire (or does it matter)?

08-17-2008, 08:59 AM	#19
Big Bob Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 886	Electricians or know-how only Switch the positive ( hot leg) going to the ballast. This is usually black...

08-17-2008, 01:11 PM	#20
Ultimate_balance Newbie Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 13	Electricians or know-how only thank you

08-17-2008, 04:23 PM	#21
Big Bob Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Jacksonville, FL Posts: 886	Electricians or know-how only For good theory and background you might want to visit sites like GE and Phillips... have fun...be careful....and don't burn the place down.. many other ways to do what you are going after. visit (ASL) American Scientific Lighting on the www. they have their own super smart ballasts... have embraced GU 24 energy star tech, ... have been working with PL lamps for over 25 years.... there is no greater blessing than being happy in your work.

Electricians or know-how only