Changing ballast help

Twisted-1 · #1 04-08-2006, 09:10 PM

I have an electronic ballast that just fried. Can't find a replacement electronic ballast. Can I use a magnetic ballast that is its equel? It's just for a 18 watt PC bulb.
On my electronic ballast all it says is110v/60Hz.

mr_alberta · #2 04-08-2006, 09:29 PM

None of the workhorse series of ballasts fit your application?

Twisted-1 · #3 04-08-2006, 09:48 PM

I really don't know too much when it comes to electrical stuff.

Where would I find a workhorse ballast? Are they electronic or magnetic and how can you tell?

I know i could easily find a magnetic ballast that would work from the aquarium stores but I don't know if it matters to switch ballasts

Black Phantom · #4 04-08-2006, 11:12 PM

You should be able to phone an electrical supply shop and check with them. Most carry what your looking for.
In Calgary you could call Brite-Lite.
Not sure what you have up there.

muck · #5 04-08-2006, 11:32 PM

You can pickup a workhorse 7 ballast at Litemor I believe. If not send me a pm and I will check if I might have a spare one.

Twisted-1 · #6 04-09-2006, 12:48 AM

Just wondering how big these ballast are. It has to fit into my hood where the old one did. It measures 5 3/4 long x1 1/2 wide and 1 1/4 high.
I will try giving litemore a call. Thanx.

muck · #7 04-09-2006, 02:08 AM

Sorry.. I missed the part about 18W.. oops.

You will probably only need a WH2.

Specs..

Maximum Power: 35W
Model Number: WH2-120-L
Maximum Current: .33 AMP
Operating Voltage: 120 VAC
Ballast Case Size: H 1.25" x W 1" x L 5.5"
Ballast Weight: 7 oz.

http://www.fulham.com/Detail_Ballasts.php?ID=WH2-120-L

Twisted-1 · #8 04-14-2006, 06:38 AM

All the ballasts I could find are too long to fit into where the old ballast goes. Still wondering what the difference between a magnetic and electric ballast is and if it matters if I change it to a magnetic ballast. Nobody I have talked to know at the LFS and lighting/electrical stores if I can change the ballast type.

midgetwaiter · #9 04-14-2006, 07:34 AM

There isn't a reason you can't switch to a magnetic ballast. Electronic ballasts (fluorescent) are generally superior, you get much longer bulb life and you won't see the flicker some people notice with magnetics.

If it's all that fits go for it.