My facility is in the process of replacing the fluorescent T8's with Eurilight ET8-1150H's. While doing some energy and RF testing I found that the aluminum heatsink, which runs the entire length of the tube, was carrying voltage.
I have found voltages in various fixtures from ~20VAC all the way to 277VAC (in 277 configuration) and similar results in ballasted configuration. Voltage is being measured between the heatsink and the luminaire's metal frame.
The tubes display the same results whether in opposite end fed or same end fed configurations, typical of a hybrid. The tubes have similar results when put directly into ballasted single or double configurations. I have more testing (sample size) to do on the ballasted ones, but I am quite dismayed by what I am finding so far.
This cannot be right. This is exposed and should be at ground potential. I have never come across a piece of equipment which had (by design) exposed metal at line potential.
I am having an email discussion with someone who is relaying for an engineer. They want video...I am thinking of punctuating the meter test with a lightbulb connected between the heatsink and the frame.
Comments?
I have found voltages in various fixtures from ~20VAC all the way to 277VAC (in 277 configuration) and similar results in ballasted configuration. Voltage is being measured between the heatsink and the luminaire's metal frame.
The tubes display the same results whether in opposite end fed or same end fed configurations, typical of a hybrid. The tubes have similar results when put directly into ballasted single or double configurations. I have more testing (sample size) to do on the ballasted ones, but I am quite dismayed by what I am finding so far.
This cannot be right. This is exposed and should be at ground potential. I have never come across a piece of equipment which had (by design) exposed metal at line potential.
I am having an email discussion with someone who is relaying for an engineer. They want video...I am thinking of punctuating the meter test with a lightbulb connected between the heatsink and the frame.
Comments?