The T5 ballasts are all electronic and can indeed fail. They'll typically put out a few hundred volts measured from one end of the tube to the other.

Make sure if you order one that it is for T5 and the length bulb have (and HO or not).

 

thx flyingron

i can detect volts in wires keading too lamp holders.Can it be possible that when a ballast fails the voltage offered to lamps is lower than required ,or would it be simply zero?n

 

Ballast selection is pretty sensitive - the ballast must match the tubes. Tell us the exact tube type you want to use (typically FsomethingT5) and then post a photo of the labeling on the existing ballast.

This also would be a good time to look for direct-wire LED replacement "tubes". Those have you bypass the ballast altogether.

 

its FSL T5/CW 13W

this old ballast in situ

 

LED conversion?

 

Well it's TUV approved so it's not a Chinese junker.

That tube type appears to be an F13T5. I would look for ballasts for dual F13T5 tubes.

I was able to find suitable T5 ballasts at sane cost using my sources, but they were 120V lol and on the wrong continent. Europe loves T5, so I can only imagine availability will be better still, on your side of the pond.


Honestly, though, I'm the biggest "stay fluorescent" fanboy on here, I would be inclined to look for LED conversion options for this one. But mind you, T5 is an odd duck over here, and that makes tubes too expensive.

 

If you go LED make sure you buy approved lamps from a reputable supplier. F13T5 LED is a little less common and that makes the market for them ripe with counterfeit junk. Always check the product spec sheet for approvals. Wouldn't hurt to read any consumer reviews either if there are any.

 

thx all
going for led conversion now....

 

Yeah, given the oddity of those tubes, they'll always be expensive to buy, and the ballasts will be hard to find. Perfect case for an LED conversion.

Now, if only someone would make an LED version of an F96T12VHO... (205 watts per 8' tube)... because ballasts for those are unobtanium.

 

Yeah, given the oddity of those tubes, they'll always be expensive to buy, and the ballasts will be hard to find. Perfect case for an LED conversion.

Now, if only someone would make an LED version of an F96T12VHO... (205 watts per 8' tube)... because ballasts for those are unobtanium.

Scroll down to page 12.

https://www.candelacorp.com/spec/?prod_num=LB31T8U/840/13P-AB