Doesn't that mean you'll be overloading it as it's only meant for 80W max? Also if the 8-footer operates at leading power factor, the overload would be even worse?

I thought that at first, but it actually says 2 - 5ft. 80w (2x80w), not particularly clear! '200va' is the important bit anyway, 125w with a 0.8 power factor (which will be somewhere around what this circuit is) is about 156va, well within the capabilities of this unit

What situation would this ballast be intended for? Was it made for overseas sales or for a working site etc?

This is just a voltage transformer, the ballast in this fitting is separate. This came from a fitting rescued from an industrial site. I guess there was only 110v supplied in the building for whatever reason (probably safety)

you need at least 300 VA as it max out my radio shack 300 VA 230 volt to 120 volt travel transformer to run my 8 foot pop pack. but using transformer other way around.

If you remember Adam, all the fittings at Geevor had one of these strapped to the back (all be it Crompton branded), as the mill and other buildings were on a 110v supply.

@Funkybulb, as above this transformer is actually a bit overkill as the fitting it's in the requires approximately 156va. You may need to change/fit a PFC capacitor to lower the va required to run your fitting.

@Slyspark oh aye I'd forgotten about that. I wonder why these industrial sites didn't provide 240v for the lighting?

was the fitting 85 watts 8 foots? it prolly only way i can see this to work.

It's 125w

well one thing I was orginallly drawing 1.2A using orginal capicitor 7.2 uF. it was due being run on 60 Hz here in USA. cause leading current to rise this cause transfomer to max out pulling 3.1 amps on 120 volts. Im like something bit wrong here. i change capicitor 6 uF brought current down to 972 mA. from that point i decided use my american philips T12 tubes. i change cap value again to 5 uF got it down to 792 mA to run 800 mA tube. been runing that ever since.

You know it’s old when it states cycles per second instead of hertz...

Ah, sorry. Half asleep when I saw that. Useful having one of them lying around.