[RFI] Electronic Fluorescent Ballasts - look for Residential rated

[Steve]

Thanks for the advice Tom.

The local Lowe's sells Philips ADVANCE ballasts. The model ICN-2P60-SC 
is for a pair of T12 lamps, 6ft or 8ft.

The installation instructions in the box have a brief paragraph on the 
last page regarding EMI/EFI. The last two sentences in particular caught 
my eye: "Most ballasts meet the lass stringent Non-Consumer requirements 
for commercial applications. Ballasts meeting the more stringent 
Consumer requirements for residential applications are noted as such on 
the ballast label."

There is no indication on the ballast label that it is consumer rated. 
Indeed, the Philips Technical Datasheet indicates the ADVANCE line of 
ballasts is "Non-Consumer (Class A) rated for EMI/RFI."

Going to call local electrical houses tomorrow, see what they have to offer.

Do you know who might manufacture a consumer rated ballast? How much 
quieter is RF-wise the consumer rated ballast as compared to the 
non-consumer rated device?

Steve K8JQ

On 12/25/2012 7:21 PM, Tom McDermott wrote:
> 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
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