How does everyone feel about T5 and HF now?

[Flurofan96]

Now I ought to get these Philips Matchbox electronic ballasts as spares for the 28W 2D fixture in the downstairs loo which is almost 10 years since it been in use (Aug 2015) however I may change my mind and put a classic 2D fixture (magnetic ballasted) or a linear 4ft fluorescent fixture

I'd be interested in getting some of these HF Performer ballasts from Philips

[FrontSideBus]

I actually thought the HE and HO variants was quite good as you could choose which output you wanted for a given length.

[Beta 5]

I also quite like the ability to swap between HE/HO but it is irritating when it's done by accident incorrectly on a HE or HO only ballast and I guess that doesn't do the ballast or lamp much good.
I like the HE for concealed lighting being cool running and efficient and their good performance in hot running enclosed fittings, while some of the HO lamps are quite impressively bright.

I do like that with T8 HF fittings you can always convert to magnetic if it proves unreliable though.

[Flurofan96]

I am considering putting up the Fitzgerald LP158 5ft T8 fixture that uses an Indian made electronic ballast - just only if it is a pre programmed start because if it is instant start then nah

But even if that ballast fails, I can convert it to magnetic and use a Vivatronic electronic starter - just have to prepare for the loud buzz

[Beta 5]

I reckon that BAG ballast in your fitzy is a programmed start flurofan, proper battens like that tended to come with programmed start, whereas the cheapo non brand tuff is where you usually find the instant start gear.
As you said choke and vivatronic or Transtar K58E would easily convert to magnetic if required though

[FrontSideBus]

I striped the mag gear out of both a 2 x 36w Fitzgerald Lightpack and also a 2 x 36w Cat2 surface fitting that I use in my hangout room and replaced them with Philips HF-Performer 3's. Will be better for the lamps as my high mains voltage of 250+ v was making the chokes run smoking hot!

[Beta 5]

Yeah HF gear definitely has it's benefits as well as its drawbacks, for large installations it's a maintenance headache when they start getting old and failing but where its just a few fittings at home and you've got spare ballasts, then fixing them isn't really a bother if they do blow.

The only concern about them I have, as mentioned on here elsewhere, is the long term storage of them and components degrading which isn't really much of an issue with mag gear.

[dor123]

I've a Hyundai baguette 102, HY-2088/21W 21W T5 fixture in my room, and its ballast, despite CFL like (With electrode fusing mechanism), lasting forever. I bought it at 16.12.2010 and it was made in 2009 , and its ballast still working this day, despite the fixture has seen lamp changes, and despite being tortured by a brownout at my hostel and all of the nearby area .

[Flurofan96]

That is amazing that this 2009 made fluorescent T5 electronic fixture still works to this day, dor123

[Beta 5]

Seen a fair few T5 fittings from that time still going, I expect the temperature inside the fitting has a big impact, also single tube ballasts do seem to be more reliable than their twin counterparts.