Fluorescent Light question / problem

[TheRic]

Got a fluorescent (T5) lighted bar item, a Bud Light Clydesdale. The bulb went out, got a new one. When I put in the bulb I broke the socket, ceramic socket. Thought about fixing it, not 100% sure I can. Would rather buy a couple of new sockets, and fix it correctly.

Here is the problem, there are two types (many styles) shunted, and non-shunted. Looked on the INTERNET found people talking about certain bulbs or certain light units. Nothing that I saw that I could relate to my situation.

Does anyone know which one I need???!!!! Thanks for any and all help.

Here are the specs that I know:
Bulb: T5 bulb - GE F6T5CW (it's about 9" long)
Starter : Super Starter, FS-5, 4-6-8 W
Ballast: Cat. SP48, 4-6-8W Lamp, .155 amp 118 V, 60 HZ., 753H

[Tom Slick]

your ballast should have the wiring diagram and that should give you a clue. probably has to do with the ballast being "rapid start" or "instant start". my guess (purely a guess) is that shunted means both pins on each side of the bulb are wired to the same wire, non-shunted would be individual wires to each pin.



edit: take a look at this page
http://www.gelighting.com/na/busines...mp_holders.pdf

[TheRic]

Tom, thanks for the info & link. There is no diagram on the ballast, the thing looks like a small door bell transformer. I listed everything that I can find on the ballasts. Note: There is only 1 bulb. The wiring goes like this (if it helps):

Line In
In socket
Out socket
In Starter
Out Starter
In Socket
Out Socket
In Ballast
Out Ballast
Line Out

[gjat]

Personally, I'd go and buy a new fixture from Lowes and install the complete guts to replace everything. By the time you buy sockets and a lamp, you may as well.

[Tom Slick]

you need non-shunted sockets because you have 2 wires coming out of the socket. if they were shunted you would only have 1 wire coming out of each socket.
the other clue is that you have a magnetic ballast and shunted sockets are only for electronic ballasts.

Shunt is a fancy word for parallel. shunted socket just mean that the two wires on each end are connected internally.

[Hoover]

Why not try an electrical supplier warehouse or Graingers. I have gotten some electrical parts from electrical suppliers. Prices were reasonable. If they have a "city desk", you can buy from them.

[cabinetman]

You may find a replacement socket (actually called a lampholder) at HD or Lowes. Electricians and suppliers also refer to them as "tombstones". They're pretty cheap.
.

[TheRic]

Tom: THANKS for the help. I am curious on how you know I have a magnetic ballast?!

Gjat: Thought about that, but since space if limited not sure if one would fit.

Hoover & Cabman: Have found several places the I can buy them, that is not the problem. Shunted or non-shunted is the problem.

[Tom Slick]

electronic ballasts don't use starters and don't look like transformers, they just look like a box. if it were electronic you would only have 4 wires (maybe 3): 2 power in (line) wires and 2 wires running out to the bulb.

[gjat]

Shunted sockets are for electronic ballasts, which don't use a starter. If you don't have a "starter" (1/2" x 1" metal tube w/ two prongs) you have an electronic ballasts and need a shunted socket.