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Stray voltage on heatsink..Eurilight ET8 1150H

16K views 29 replies 12 participants last post by  Jlarson 
#1 ·
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?
 
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#27 ·
I haven't been able to get a video together. This has become more of a nuisance than anything i.e., not a part of my regular job...disassembling and testing of a stupid light bulb, if you get my drift.

A can't represent my employer officially, so I am left to waiting for the safety department to make a determination. They can sound the alarm officially.

I did call the Consumer Product Safety Commission, however, and start a case. I don't know how long that takes.

If anybody here comes across a similar device, I would advise caution and testing. If more people come up with the same results it would only bolster the concern for safety.
 
#29 ·
I have been using either Keystone or Eiko with the ballast removed and so far good luck. That can't be right, should be nothing there. Has to be defective. Time to find another brand. I don't think you're going to escape the made in China, but maybe somebody more well known.
 
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