SB Ballast in a Tamlite (Tamshite?) Fixture

Looks to be original to the fixture. I know some people don't like Tamlite battens, but I don't think they're too bad. All the ones I own have good quality ballasts fitted (Old Tridonic, Helvar, SB/Thorn), the lamp holders seem reasonably sturdy, more so than Crompack 4 anyway. Also these seem slightly less susceptible to corrosion, and the metal is reasonably thick. Maybe I've just been lucky with the ones I've acquired, what do you think to them?

SB Ballast in a Tamlite (Tamshite?) Fixture


Looks to be original to the fixture. I know some people don't like Tamlite battens, but I don't think they're too bad. All the ones I own have good quality ballasts fitted (Old Tridonic, Helvar, SB/Thorn), the lamp holders seem reasonably sturdy, more so than Crompack 4 anyway. Also these seem slightly less susceptible to corrosion, and the metal is reasonably thick. Maybe I've just been lucky with the ones I've acquired, what do you think to them?

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Slyspark   [03 Feb, 2018 at 01:38 AM]
You've been lucky then. I call them Tamshite as the number of them where the spring at either end has ripped out of the hole in the lampholder and the end has then fallen off. Not unusual to see them with the lampholders taped on. I'd save the ballast and bin the rest!
fluorescent   [03 Feb, 2018 at 01:49 AM]
Hmm yes that does appear to be a weak point, never seen one broken off personally. I don't really know why the lamp holder is spring loaded as it's twist lock anyway?
Slyspark   [03 Feb, 2018 at 01:51 AM]
Yes, I never could figure that one out, it's absolutely pointless! Just fix the bloody thing in place like everyone else does now! Sadly, their battens now come with shitty Chinese made own-brand ballasts in.
Kev   [03 Feb, 2018 at 11:21 AM]
Yeh I've come across them with half decent ballasts mainly older as you say but the little holes on the lamp holders always snap and most electricians would bin them off because of this

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