[RFI] Electronic Fluorescent Ballasts - look for Residential rated

[Tom McDermott]

Hi Steve,
FCC Part 18 covers EMI from lighting. It has two EMI categories (analogous
to Part 15): Residential and Industrial/Commerical. You can find electronic
ballasts (used with T8 fluorescent tubes) that are rated for residential
use - although not always at the big box stores. The magnetic ballasts are
used with T12 fluorescent tubes. It is well worth the trouble RFI-wise to
search for residential classified ballasts if you are using electronic ballasts.
-- Tom, N5EG
 
 
>Hi all,
>
>I have a 2-tube 96 inch fluorescent lamp over my electronics workbench. 
>The ballast needs replacing. The old ballast is inductive and I am not 
>aware of any RFI issues caused by it.
>
>The big-box stores only carry the electronic ballasts. Wonder if the 
>electronic ballast will cause me problems?
>
>Is there anywhere one can still buy the inductive ballast?
>
>Thanks.
>
>Steve, K8JQ
>Charleston, WV