PL Light Question

[eric_kclee]

I recently bought an 13W PL light for my nano tank. And it is driven by Electronic ballast. Yes! it is a 2pin PL tube with electronic ballast. I recommend this to all. From NA, around $10 +/- only.


My situation is,
I strip it up and put a 11watt PL tube instead, it light up instantly. But it is still too bright, then I change to 9watt.
Now the light's starter(at base of PL light) just flicker and refuse to light up. The tube is confirm good one, tested a few 9watt tube, still wont light up.

So my real question,
Does anyone know what is the reason? Is it because of the Startup Voltage, or the current is insufficient to heat up a 9Watt tube, could be that the specification/ requirement of the 9watt and 13watt PL tube is different?

Please help to enlighten, could anyone share the specification for 9watt, 11watt and 13watt tube?

[letissier07]

Power = Resistance X Current^2
= Voltage x Current

If standard voltage for AC is 220V, the lower power tube should need a lower current flow, which will be easily satisfied by the ballast.
See no reason why it cannot start up......
Next better answer-er please.....

Regards,
Spencer

[eric_kclee]

not really helping leh...

It has got to do with the start up voltage or current, which is higher at start up, to heat the tube and to give it a burst. This is what I heard.

But I need the spec, could anyone help?

[tawauboy]

since you mentioned that the starter did fire then presumably the lower wattage tube requires a higher startup voltage. what is the brand of the pl tube?

[eric_kclee]

OSRAM daylight 9Watt