Radio Static From Florescent Lights

Nayr · 03-02-2010, 05:28 PM

I have 8 fixtures on the ceiling of my shop. They are the digital type lights and all are grounded. When you have a radio on with out the lights on it comes in crystal clear. When you turn the lights on the radio instantly goes to static. This is also true for a vehicle. The radio is crystal clear outside or inside with lights off but when you pull it in the shop with lights on it instantly goes to static.

Would like to listen to the races on a Sunday in my shop but can't.
PLEASE HELP

joseph2293 · 03-02-2010, 07:27 PM

the radio wire or more specifically the speaker wire is picking up noise from the bulbs...fluorescent bulbs need high voltage that arcs across electrodes within the tube...this arcing is whats causing you the trouble...get shielded stranded speaker wire if they make it or any type of stranded shielded wire with the appropriate gauge and ground the outer shield and this should take care of it...arcing is the worst case of EMI (electro-magnetic interference)

joseph2293 · 03-02-2010, 07:39 PM

its definitely available check here:

http://www.iec-usa.com/Browse05/MWireAudio.html

but the size...i would maybe try something like 16 gauge or even 14 gauge stranded