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Topic: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp  (Read 2107 times)

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circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« on: May 05, 2009, 01:49:17 PM »
My desk lamp uses a 4 pin sylvania circline bulb and 120v 60 Hz 0.55A ballast. Can I convert this lamp and if so what do I need to do or where could I buy the necessary parts. I appreciate all of your help. Thank you


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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #1 on: May 06, 2009, 09:25:04 AM »
You could convert it to run directly on 240V by changing the ballast, although depending upon the existing wiring it might need a few connections changing around as well, as there are different wiring configurations and starting methods in use.

What size Circline tube does it use - The common 22-watt type?    Is it "instant start" or one of those with a power switch you hold down for a couple of seconds to start?   

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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #2 on: May 06, 2009, 02:12:05 PM »
It's a sylvania 9", 4 pin, 30W, T9 bulb. Instant start ballast. If I could buy the parts to work it when I come home, I'd be thrilled. I knew if anyone could help me, it would be you Paul - Thank you so much!


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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2009, 10:02:28 PM »
There's nothing special about the Circline T9 tubes from the electrical point of view, so any ballast of the right rating should be fine.  You could use a rapid-start type or convert it to pre-heat if there is room to add the starter (the latter might open up the range of suitable ballasts somewhat, since rapid-start is still not quite so common in the U.K. as the U.S.). 

Either way, I suspect the biggest problem might be the physical aspect of finding a ballast which will fit within the existing lamp base or housing.  Can you get an idea of the shape and size of the current ballast?  (Maybe open the base and get a photo?) 

That would provide a starting point for finding a replacement which is suitable both electrically and physically.
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Burma Shave

1941
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Dreaming of one who truly is La plus belle pour aller danser.


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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #4 on: May 11, 2009, 02:11:37 AM »
The ballast is 2 3/4" x 1 3/4" x 1". 120v 60hz 0.55A. I'll post pictures as soon as I figure how to do it.


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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #5 on: May 17, 2009, 01:56:43 PM »
Sounds like one of the typical compact desklamp ballasts.  I think I might have one (for 240V, 50Hz) in one of my spares boxes somewhere about that size, although I'd have to check the rating before I could say for certain.  I'll try and have a quick search tonight or tomorrow.   I'm assuming that there probably isn't much room for anything larger, as they tend to make those desk lamp bases quite compact.

P.S. You can send a photo to me directly if you wish, if you don't have anywhere to upload it for posting.  I'll PM you my e-mail address.

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Burma Shave

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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #6 on: May 23, 2009, 12:37:07 AM »
I sent pictures to the address you gave me and once again apologize for not been able to get back with you before now, believe me I'd rather be home doing this than in hospital. I have two of these lamps I would like to bring, one for myself the other for my mother. Thanks so much for sharing the wealth of knowledge you have with all of us.


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Re: circline lightbulb/ballast lamp- I love this lamp
« Reply #7 on: May 26, 2009, 11:32:53 PM »
E-mail sent.   :)
From
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Dreaming of one who truly is La plus belle pour aller danser.


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