Now I know why

[ptonsparky]

Now I know why I don't sell cheap fixtures from a big box store. Saw some inexpensive, $50, 8' flor strip fixt that used 4 t8 lamps. That's good enough for a rented building. Figured if the ballast only lasted a couple years I would still be ahead vs spending $90 at the supply house. They didn't make it three weeks. Three of the four didn't start up again after lunch today. All on the same two wire branch circuit. My wife already asked, yes they are wired correctly and there is no loose neutral problem.

 

[mdshunk]

I had to learn that lesson the hard way too. 75% failure rate on startup:

 

[GUNNING]

A BIG thankyou!

A BIG thankyou!

Lucky you to get that bad batch. You get to take one for the team and save the rest of us from having that headache.

 

[iwire]

Wow, I checked out the WuXi HengFeng Electronic Products Co.,Ltd web site.

This company is specialized in producing high-performance energy-saving inductance ballast and electro ballast. Its high performance energy-saving inductance has the characteristics of high power factor, energy saving, low temperatures ring grade, low start-up tension, no noise, long service, safe and reliable, no electromagnetism disturbance, and etc. All its parts of electro commutators, having been treated for fire-resistance, damp-proof, and heat resistance, have the characteristics of disturbance resistance, corrosion resistance, insulation, strong heat distributing ability, and etc.
With capable technology team and advanced equipment, its annual production ability is over 2,000,000 sets, and its products sell well over 10 countries and regions in the world.
The company new developing a high technology production-asphalt. It is a type of material that has best insulate, seal completely. It is used for the electronic, elecmagnetic products. The products have been approved by UL and CUL. Our asphalt used very popular in many large domestic and international electronic company now.

 

[mdshunk]

Bunch of real scholars, they are.

 

[bradleyelectric]

Please step away from the asphalt ballasts!!

 

[peter d]

Now I know why I don't sell cheap fixtures from a big box store. Saw some inexpensive, $50, 8' flor strip fixt that used 4 t8 lamps. That's good enough for a rented building. Figured if the ballast only lasted a couple years I would still be ahead vs spending $90 at the supply house.

Check your price at the supply house. I can get a 8' T8 tandem at the supply house for around the same price as HD or Lowes. Also, Lowes carries Metalux which do have name brand ballasts in them.

Edit: I see you're from central Nebraska. I suppose supply houses are few and far between out your way. I guess us city slickers are spoiled. And what do they have in Nebraska besides corn, and Big Red? J/K.

 

[Mr.Sparkle]

They must be the same company that makes Mr. Sparkle dish soap.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaiMi66DK14

 

[peter d]

Also, beware of no-name stuff sold at supply houses too. I posted this awhile back but last year we did a lighting upgrad and we bought "Archipelago" brand T5 lowbays to replace some MH lowbays...50% failure rate within a day.

 

[mdshunk]

...and we bought "Archipelago" brand T5 lowbays to replace some MH lowbays...50% failure rate within a day.

I remember an old book, The Gulag Archipelago, about a forced labor camp. Maybe that's where these fixtures were made? If so, I might guess that the factory worker's hearts weren't in it.

 

[peter d]

I remember an old movie, The Gulag Archipelago, about a forced labor camp. Maybe that's where these fixtures were made? If so, I might guess that the factory worker's hearts weren't in it.

You sir, are one strange bird, even by my standards.

 

[ultramegabob]

I dont think there are any ballast made in the U.S.A. anymore, when I buy fixtures, I try to get the ones with Mexican ballasts, they seem to have less problems than the ones with ballasts made in China for me....

 

[mdshunk]

I dont think there are any ballast made in the U.S.A. anymore, when I buy fixtures, I try to get the ones with Mexican ballasts, they seem to have less problems than the ones with ballasts made in China for me....

To put what you said another way:
When I walk in a bad part of town, I try to walk nearest the guys who are likely to only punch me in the face, rather than the one's who might stab me in the ribs.

 

[ultramegabob]

To put what you said another way:
When I walk in a bad part of town, I try to walk nearest the guys who are likely to only punch me in the face, rather than the one's who might stab me in the ribs.

that pretty much sums it up... I hate buying anything made in either of those countries, but whats a guy to do?

 

[jdsmith]

Now I know why I don't sell cheap fixtures from a big box store. Saw some inexpensive, $50, 8' flor strip fixt that used 4 t8 lamps. That's good enough for a rented building. Figured if the ballast only lasted a couple years I would still be ahead vs spending $90 at the supply house. They didn't make it three weeks. Three of the four didn't start up again after lunch today. All on the same two wire branch circuit. My wife already asked, yes they are wired correctly and there is no loose neutral problem.

Wow, I think I paid about $50 for the name brand one at the supply house. Is $90 a typical price for a decent one of those fixtures?

 

[bradleyelectric]

Wow, I think I paid about $50 for the name brand one at the supply house. Is $90 a typical price for a decent one of those fixtures?

No. $50 is typical.

 

[peter d]

Wow, I checked out the WuXi HengFeng Electronic Products Co.,Ltd web site.

It looks like there's no shortage of these companies either. :roll:

 

[ptonsparky]

Three weeks ago I bought three Lithonia industrial 2 lamp 4' t8 with reflectors for $47.50.

 

[mattsilkwood]

To put what you said another way:
When I walk in a bad part of town, I try to walk nearest the guys who are likely to only punch me in the face, rather than the one's who might stab me in the ribs.

thats almost poetic

 

[ptonsparky]

Took the three bad ballasts in and they gave me three Sylvania replacement ballasts. Don't know if they are any better, but at least I recognize the name.