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Incandescent bulb to ballast an MBF bulb
http://ukastle.co.uk/discussion/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=662		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  Gabs [ Tue Aug 23, 2016 9:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Incandescent bulb to ballast an MBF bulb
Hi,

I'm new here  :)  Does anyone know if an incandescent bulb can be used to ballast a 50w MBF bulb, and if so, what wattage would I need?

Thanks in advance, Gabriel
Author:  Phosco152 [ Wed Aug 24, 2016 8:55 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Incandescent bulb to ballast an MBF bulb
Yes. There used to be mercury lamps combined with a filament lamp in the same bulb. The filament also improved the colour rendering. The efficiency was however horrendous and this with improved phosphors have made them obsolete. They still can be found - more as a quirky oddity rather than a practical light source.

50W MBF is around 85V and approx 0.6A current.

A 100W GLS bulb is 0.43A on 230V ac, 150W is 0.65A.

Either would probably do. Let us know how you get on, and post some pics!
Author:  Gabs [ Sun Aug 28, 2016 9:37 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Incandescent bulb to ballast an MBF bulb
Hi Phosco152,

Would I just wire my 50w MBF bulb in series with a 150w incandescent lightbulb, then?
If so, I'll try it  :D  Hopefully won't ruin by bulb, either ;)
Author:  Phosco152 [ Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Incandescent bulb to ballast an MBF bulb
Wire both in series, you can always add a 1A plug fuse. The incandescent should start off bright and then dim down as the MBF lamp warms up.
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