Author Topic: Is it more cost effective to leave them on, than to switch on/off regular?  (Read 4316 times)

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TheEquineFencer

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I have a (14) T-8 tandem fixtures, 120V/60hz, I installed in my shop. I also installed some motion sensors to operate them in zones. Is it cheaper to leave them on that to turn them off let's say every 5-30 minutes? I'm thinking the old style lights with the starters were cheaper to leave them on but these new ones with the electronic ballast would be cheaper to switch off/on.

ghurd

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Re: Is it more cost effective to leave them on, than to switch on/off regular?
« Reply #1 on: November 29, 2011, 03:44:00 PM »
"Cost Effective"?

You mean for the 'lectric bill?
Or replacement ballasts?

My household did get in the habit of turning off the kitchen light.
On Off On Off On Off On Off...
However, that meant the ballast(s) only last about 12~24 months.
The $$$ ballast on the closest switch fails "regularly".  If fact, it does not work at this very moment.  But it fails often enough I have a new spare ballast in the kitchen drawer.  (how sad is that?)

Solution with more silly details:
Strange wiring in my antiquated home.
The main fixture is 4 T8s, with two 2 bulb ballasts.
Ghurd connected each pair of bulbs and ballast to its own switch.
When a ballast fails, use the other switch! ;D
Also, usually only need a pair of bulbs instead of all 4.  If all 4 are needed, turn on both switches.
Saves power 98% of the time.  Saves ballast wear&tear 99.9% of the time.  ;)
G-

I don't think I would use a motion sensor for T8s.
1)  Motion sensors can go off when you NEED the darn light, like standing mostly stationary at a lathe or something.
2)  Motion sensors will run the light for 5-30 minutes if you go past to get an ink pen, stray screwdriver, etc.
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Jon Miller

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Would an alternative idea be to use SMD type LED lighting, as far as I know they are happy to be switched on and off to no harm?

Cheers

Jon


TheEquineFencer

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The room with the mill and lathe have T8's w/o a motion sensor. I also installed a circuit to bypass the motion sensor. You're right ghurd, it's a pain to be doing something in one spot too long. It encourages you to keep moving.

ghurd

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When I said "Motion sensors can go off when you NEED the darn light, like standing mostly stationary at a lathe or something" I was mostltly thinking of an off-grid friend's house.
One of his bathrooms has a motion sensor LED light.
Try to hit 'the mark' when disco dancing so the light doesn't go out!  LOL
G-
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