Ask the Electrician

There's no way you could pull wire through that mess. I think incorrect connectors are more likely than a 1000' reel of 2" greenfield in attempt to steal the record for biggest code violation.

 

They make MC connectors for every size MC cable.

 

I’ve personally ripped it before. It’s ridiculous.

 

That sounds hack

 

My comment was suppose to say ripped it out. As in demo, not pull the wire through it. Pulling through flex of any kind sucks.

 

Gotcha

 

Do you have an induction tester or or multimeter?

 

Use a wire nut. KISS.

 

Curt,

This is a common problem with some ballast as they age. Replacing them would probably take care of the issue, not a sure thing but there isn't much there to go wrong.

1. You have power to the fixture.
2. You have replaced the bulbs.
3. Checked and cleaned the terminals.

Looks like the only thing left, Ballast.

Or dare I say it... new fixtures....

Wish you the best buddy!

 

Ha! I see what you did there! But ya using a ground grimp and tape to connect two nuetrals together isnt generally an acceptable method.

 

Bah! I said don't say it! I guess new fixtures are in my future. T8s are the way to go?
I still would like to hear anyone's theory on why a little heat would make the lights come on. The ballasts are covered and they can't be gaining much heat in that short amount of time.

Thank you fellas.
Curt

 

Here is a good read: About half way down the page it gets into the ballast.
http://www.edisontechcenter.org/Fluorescent.html
I think that the heat helps reduce the humidity surrounding the ballast coils (transformers). My hypothesis is that you have some coil oxidation that is creating bridging and causing the ballast to work improperly. By adding the heat in the area you raise the dew point and in-turn reduce the bridging/short circuiting of the circuit which are causing improper operation of the ballast control of the lights.

That is my guess.

 

You could put t8 ballasts in your current fixtures, that way you won't upset the feung-sheui of your shop.

 

Buy two 4000 or 4500 lumen LED fixtures and replace the old ones in the most used area of the garage. I don't think I will have to tell you to buy anymore, I think you will WANT to replace the rest in short order.

 

Thanks for the link. I'll read up later. My experience in my shop is that if it's cold in there, that 500k weed burner will actually increase the humidity. I have measuring devices for RH. If I heat it up too fast, the welding table, metal tools, everything starts to sweat. That ain't good.
Not arguing your theory, just don't think it's right.

 

It would be easier to just hang new fixtures. I'm old, slow, and lazy! And my shop doesn't have any kung foo.

 

I think you are right, and I will start with 2. Good plan.

 

The water is condensing on the cold surfaces. Like sweat on cold beer in summer.

 

Isn’t there a T5 now?

 

Yes, the ballasts are more expensive and the pins on the tubes might be different, I can't remember exactly. They run hotter as well.