They come here too, in T5HO 54W and 6500K, to match the lighting preferences of most people here. The luminaires are not too bad, except for the ballasts - Pretty much all the ballasts that come in them are asinine

Can T5's run with normal magnetic switch start?

They can, but the longer tubes (more than 2ft or so) need higher supply voltage than 230V and starters suitable for the higher arc voltages

Sounds like a nuisance that.

The higher supply voltage can be provided with 2 phase connection or a transformer. The transformer can be made in the same form factor as a Switchstart ballast. The higher voltage starters - it's possible that "..125W" starters may cover atleast part of the range

Love the American auto style `fender bullets` , looks like something straight out of Fallout 4 , very stylish!

Too much faffing about. I might take a apart some electronic ballasts and see whats in them and what fails and swap out the parts with something beefier. It is a very pretty fitting. Would love some T12 ones like this!

The ballasts are as complicated as CFL ballasts go (not complicated), Occasionally with some extra like passive PFC. But sometimes by the time they fail, the PCB itself is degraded to the point where you doubt that you really want to repair it

Not worth it. I'm sure you could get away with switch starting these 39W tubes.

Other question, is the switchstart setup going to fit in there ?

Dunno, lol. Wind a really thin one manually

You've got me thinking now, Lasaga. I've been saying for ages I'm going to get one of these in 2ft (actually 549mm) twin, the ones that come with HO 24W tubes.... HE 14W tubes will of course also physically fit & will run on 13w T5 magnetic gear! Might have to go ahead and get me a couple

I think they did 2 dual 2ft fittings for £50. Don't remember if they're 24w ones but I made a thread on it on for sale. Take a look.

They are indeed High Output 24w ballasted and come with disgusting 6500k tubes. I'm thinking rip all that out and bin it, put 13w mag gear in and some nice 830 14w tubes

That sounds good to me!