Radionic E2813HP F8T5 Fluorescent Ballast's = Pieces Of Crap

[RussHodes]

You know what, the label says it's 0.24 amps the the stock units I just opened up use 0.4 amp ballasts. I agree, this brand is crap - poor quality and the sustaining voltage is in sufficient. But, I think you got the 220v version with the wrong label.

[XmasLightsGuy]

@RussHodes I'm not sure a 220v unit would even light on 120v...these did light at full brightness. I did crack one of these open & look at it, I think i determined at least one of the transistors had shorted (don't really remember now though)

The label does say .24a, are you saying it actually takes .4a? (wouldn't be the first time I've seen a ballast label with the wrong amperage listed).

I still have 1 working unit (out of 3) ...but i don't use it since the others were so bad.

[generator5500w]

next time use CFL ballast to save energy effect

[XmasLightsGuy]

@Y0uTube235 Yep those tubes are _well used_ & near EOL. Maybe those crappy ballasts would last a bit longer if ran below zero .. then again maybe they'd just blow instantly LOL

[Syncopator]

So is there an equivalent or do I need to get new fixtures? I have about 5 lamps with these and two suddenly went dead which I've traced to the ballast.

[XmasLightsGuy]

@Syncopator Unfortunately I do not know of an equivalent for this one. If your fixtures have the space (and you felt comfortable doing it) you could convert them to the older-style magnetic preheat ballasts which are more reliable.

[Parrot175]

Where did you get those T5 sockets? I've been looking for those kind with the small metal piece that connect to the fixture.

[XmasLightsGuy]

@Parrot175 @Parrot175 Got them on eBay (only place i've seen them). Looks like the seller has listed more, item# 120518534124

[TheDieselNut]

WOW! Those two lamps on the left are nearly @ EOL! I actually like the way it starts. Junkiest ballasts I have seen are the ones made in China.

[XmasLightsGuy]

@TheDieselNut Yeah all the F8's are basically at EOL, I need to take them to recycle at some point.

Crazy thing  is the old electromagnetic ballasts are better made than the new electronic stuff which they say is supposed to be so much better. That old stuff was built to last...anymore it seems all that matters is 'cheapest manufacturing cost'

[TheDieselNut]

@XmasLightsGuy That is the truth! Nothing lasts like a good ole preheat ballast!