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Old 11-24-18, 12:31 PM   #4
CrankyDoug
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Join Date: Jul 2016
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CFL's and other devices with switching supplies go poof if the input voltage drops enough. The manufacturers could eliminate that by putting a simple shut-down circuit in the device input, but then they couldn't sell as many replacements. I've lost a few computer power supplies that way. Now I use a UPS for my computer equipment.

You are probably right about that aspect of dirty power.

Magnetic ballast transformers are inherently more tolerant than switching supplies that lack low voltage protection. Finding a transformer ballast with the right specs might be a problem. Last time I went to Home Depot for a ballast they didn't have any transformer type devices. Perhaps their switching ballasts are better quality than the junk that comes with the UV sterilizers. I've replaced dozens of magnetic ballasts with switching-type replacements in commercial lighting with no noticable problems.
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