wkshp lighting.

[Paul Woodrow]

I just bought four T8 fluorescent fixtures for the workshop. They give great light to work by there's one problem though; both Tv's upstairs are getting snow storm interferance. I've tried plugging into different cicuits but no change. They've got electronic ballasts & from what i've Googled I can buy an anti interferance unit for each light for around $20 which basically doubles the cost of the fixtures. I haven't priced up an isolating transfomer yet because this is starting to look like a lot of the "bargains" I usually end up with . The lighting is great but i'm getting a lot of EXTRA flack from the "old lady", who reeaally needs a hobby. If anyone's dealt with this problem I'd appreciate some help. Guess where the fixtures are made !

[J.P. Rap]

I don't have that problem but could you put a filter on the TV rather than each of the lights?
Just a thought.

[willr]

I just bought four T8 fluorescent fixtures for the workshop. They give great light to work by there's one problem though; both Tv's upstairs are getting snow storm interferance. I've tried plugging into different cicuits but no change. They've got electronic ballasts & from what i've Googled I can buy an anti interferance unit for each light for around $20 which basically doubles the cost of the fixtures. I haven't priced up an isolating transfomer yet because this is starting to look like a lot of the "bargains" I usually end up with . The lighting is great but i'm getting a lot of EXTRA flack from the "old lady", who reeaally needs a hobby. If anyone's dealt with this problem I'd appreciate some help. Guess where the fixtures are made !

You did not tell us anything about the house. You can't troubleshoot this in isolation.

However, it sounds like bad grounding. Is this an older house?

We just paid about $50 each for several T8 fixtures -- and bought some daylight bulbs. Great lights -- no electrical noise.

[Rizak the Really Horrible]

I'm getting a lot of EXTRA flack from the "old lady", who reeaally needs a hobby. If anyone's dealt with this problem I'd appreciate some help.

I'd suggest she try pie baking as a hobby. Maybe beer making. Let me know how that goes.

[Claude in Kitchener]

When I did my shop I put the cheapest T8 fixture in that I could find which happened to be at Wal-Mart. I know, I know, that's a heck of a place to buy lighting but they work great. They start in the cold, no hum, no electrical noise, were dirt cheap, maybe $15 or $16 each. Probably the best purchase I've ever made at Wal-Mart.

Is it to late to take them back? It would be worth checking the ground connection. Not just visually but actually run a wire from the fixture to the panel. Just lay it across the floor to test to see if it helps. The TV filter might work too.

I'm thinking you don't have cable or it would be a non-issue. If your using an antenna with flat cable make sure the flat cable is well away from any electrical conductors and if excess cable is looped up that could amplify any noise.

Maybe the wife could take up electrical engineering as a hobby and solve the problem herself! Good luck!

[willr]

When I did my shop I put the cheapest T8 fixture in that I could find which happened to be at Wal-Mart. I know, I know, that's a heck of a place to buy lighting but they work great. They start in the cold, no hum, no electrical noise, were dirt cheap, maybe $15 or $16 each. Probably the best purchase I've ever made at Wal-Mart.

Is it to late to take them back? It would be worth checking the ground connection. Not just visually but actually run a wire from the fixture to the panel. Just lay it across the floor to test to see if it helps. The TV filter might work too.

I'm thinking you don't have cable or it would be a non-issue. If your using an antenna with flat cable make sure the flat cable is well away from any electrical conductors and if excess cable is looped up that could amplify any noise.

Maybe the wife could take up electrical engineering as a hobby and solve the problem herself! Good luck!

We bought some of the cheaper fixtures too -- they are all in the garbage now.

We moved the bulbs to the new fixtures.

...And as for EE as a hobby? The exams are really irritataing when you are treating it as a hobby -- and the yearly fees are a drag. Maybe nuclear physicist...

[Claude in Kitchener]

We bought some of the cheaper fixtures too -- they are all in the garbage now.

I've had mine for about four years without a single problem. Maybe I'm just lucky.

[Paul Woodrow]

Thank's for all the suggestions guys, Except for Claude, re a hobby for my bride . It's been very quiet in the house since I floated the suggestions for beer or pie making. ( Very good suggestions I thought !!) But the redemption is ----- although I am on cable, there was a five foot loop quiet near to the light fixtures. Rerouted it & no more snow. All advice very welcome Claude; except the marital kind .

[Claude in Kitchener]

All advice very welcome Claude; except the marital kind .

Well, you know what they say about free advice, it's worth every penny you pay for it.

Glad we could help.

[Gene45]

What is the difference between the old 48" fluorescent tubes and the new T8? If you can pardon a stupid question........

[Claude in Kitchener]

What is the difference between the old 48" fluorescent tubes and the new T8? If you can pardon a stupid question........

The old ones are actually T12s but no ever called them that until the T8s came out. The T8s are smaller in diameter and more efficient. More light output using less power.