lighting

[esantoro]

I need to replace the electric ballast in one of my magnifying 22w fluorescent circline bulb worklamps with a magnetic transformer.

I have two options:

1. Go to home depot and buy one of their 22w circline bulb adapters that go into a regular light socket, take the magnetic transformer out of that and use it in my nonfunctioning worklamp. Since I would be taking the transformer from a 22w adapter, I know the specs are correct.

2. Use the magnetic transformer from an old, nonfunctioning 13w fluorescent worklamp. It looks similar to the pictures i've seen of the transformer from the 22w adapter, but I'm not sure if the specs are correct for a 22w application. The sticker on this transformer reads that is is for 13w/7t4 or 15w/f15t8. the more specific specs are 120 v 60 hz , .3a.

My limited knowledge of electronics would suggest that I could use this transformer in my 22w lamp.

Ed

[dsenette]

what are the same specs on the 22w adapter? i would suspect that you run the risk of either causing more damage to the device or blowing out bulbs at a surprising rate (do to them being underpowered)...could even start a fire (though i wouldn't expect that)

[Beaverslayer]

Ed,

Well having been an engineer for 22 years in a previous life my advice to you is:

1. Go to home depot and buy one of their 22w circline bulb adapters that go into a regular light socket, take the magnetic transformer out of that and use it in my nonfunctioning worklamp. Since I would be taking the transformer from a 22w adapter, I know the specs are correct.

Which is exactly what you said first in your post.

I also checked with a master electrician just to be sure before I told you this.

Ken

Edited July 12, 2007 by Beaverslayer