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Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: Necro on November 23, 2008, 06:16:14 pm

Title: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: Necro on November 23, 2008, 06:16:14 pm
Ok, so i know watts = volts x amps and all that, but I'm having some trouble figuring out the power draw of my fluorescent lights in my cab when first turned on.  They have a 15W bulb, so I can easily figure out the amps once running but the FS-2 starter I can't seem to find information on.

Can anyone provide any help?  I want to make sure I don't use underrated equipment.

(Also, the ballast says 35A on it...I'm assuming that means it will handle up to that, correct, and not that it DRAWS 35A which is a bit insane...)
Title: Re: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: Necro on November 24, 2008, 12:36:26 pm
Damn...no one?
Title: Re: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: drawfull on November 24, 2008, 02:05:46 pm
Since most lighting circuits are 5A that should be plenty.

Inrush current should not be an issue at all, *I* wouldn't worry about the inrush current... what are you switching it with?

Title: Re: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: Necro on November 24, 2008, 02:24:04 pm
That's actually what I'm trying to decide on - I want to make sure I don't have too much current running through the switches I buy.  It's going to most likely be a 20A switch that will have the light, a computer, and a monitor on it.  I highly doubt it would be an issue since normal switches are 24A I believe, but the 35A thing on the ballast threw me off.
Title: Re: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: SirPeale on November 24, 2008, 02:58:18 pm
You'll be fine.  That's just how much the ballast can handle.
Title: Re: Fluorescent Light Power Draw
Post by: Necro on November 24, 2008, 03:32:47 pm
That's what I thought, just wanted to be sure.  Last thing I want is all this work to go down in a literal ball of flames...along with my house.