Flourescent light interference

[ampulman]

Background: Have a 4 tube fixture w/2 ballasts, which for quite a while, would only light (with difficulty) 2 tubes.

When cooling season would arrive, and line voltage would drop, it would be difficult, and sometimes impossible to light the 2 tubes.

Even so, in this condition, no interference problems were noted.

I finally bit the bullet and bought 2 ballasts and replaced them.

The fixture now works perfectly (all 4 tubes light instantly), but have noticed a problem.

I can be listening on my Walk Man, when suddenly the audio will be overcome by a constant buzz, making listening difficult to impossible.

If I flick the switch off, then immediately on, the buzz is gone. I'm not absolutely sure, but I think it only occurs when listening to a distant (weaker) station.

I attribute this to the ballasts as there are no starters, unless they are incorporated into the ballasts (doubtful).

I'm wondering if there is any way to eliminate this, such as by installing a capacitor across the power line, or looping the hot and neutral lines around ferrite rings? Space is somewhat limited, but I think it could be done.

Thanks for listening.

Amp

 

[rcvmo]

No, a capacitor may not cut all the interference and is a shock and fire risk.
You may want to find an AC line filter. UPS power supplies are a good/cheap source for line filters if you have a spare unit to play with.
I had the same problem on HF when I changed from incandescent to flourescent. On my radio room AC power feeds I have all AC power inputs Surge protected and backed up with UPS's and GFCI outlets.
Good luck with the endeavors.
rcvmo

 

[vzfarms]

I have noticed that the newer electronic balasts are quieter and faster, but they do cause some interference. I havnt found anything to do to help aside from getting equipment as far away from them as you can with all of your electronics.

 

[tieced07]

Thanks for some of the tips. I've always found that interference problems in general can be tricky to figure out, because sometimes there can be many variables or a number of different things that are causing it.

 

[Big_Ears]

Sometimes the metal reflector and ballast housing is not grounded properly. Check to see if the ground wire of your plug has a secure pigtail to the metal housing.