Replacing metal halide High Bays with Fluor.

[sparky 134]

A customer of mine has a large warehouse lit with metal halide high bays. We are considering replacing them with fluorescent high bays.

Since the fluorescent high bays use an electronic ballast, could we have a problem with harmonics ?

Suggestions ? Theories ?

 

[mdshunk]

Since the fluorescent high bays use an electronic ballast, could we have a problem with harmonics ?

I seriously doubt it. I've done a good many of these jobs, and that hasn't been an issue. What has been an issue is the ballasts holding up. They seem to fail far too frequently for my liking, and we're talking about many different fine brands here. My working theory at the moment has to do with the ambient temperature realized near the high ceilings in unconditioned warehouse spaces in the summer.

 

[bob]

A customer of mine has a large warehouse lit with metal halide high bays. We are considering replacing them with fluorescent high bays.

Since the fluorescent high bays use an electronic ballast, could we have a problem with harmonics ?

Suggestions ? Theories ?

If you check, you will find that the hi efficiency transformer ballast are only slightly less efficient than the electronic and they last longer.

 

[frenchelectrican]

I seriously doubt it. I've done a good many of these jobs, and that hasn't been an issue. What has been an issue is the ballasts holding up. They seem to fail far too frequently for my liking, and we're talking about many different fine brands here. My working theory at the moment has to do with the ambient temperature realized near the high ceilings in unconditioned warehouse spaces in the summer.

Marc S. belive me i did see few failed with 50?C ceiling with the standard ballast and few manufacters got smart some way they have a 55 or 65 ?C ballast unit. but really IMO i wish they make somekind of remote mounted ballast for flourscent luminaires that can be used in cooler spots where it will reduce the amout of failures.

Merci,Marc