I was at a second hand shop the other day and they had a number of very large items which were either ballasts or transformers. They were very heavy (10-15 lbs like a MOT) or even maybe 2x the weight of a 1200w MOT (20-30lbs). The box was really non-descript but showed some diagrams of wires that might be found on a light ballast.
Anyway, I am wondering if there is anything that these can be used for other than their intended use?
Is there much difference between a flourescent, UV or metal halide light ballasts?
Also, I have a 2' flourescent light which case is VERY light (it almost seems empty except for a switch). I thought that these bulbs needed a ballast. I have also seen the little cylindrical things, about the diameter of an incadescent bulb screw base, with maybe 2 metal feet/connectors at the bottom. Are these ballasts as well and if so, do they work as well as the heavy ones?
Anyway, I am wondering if there is anything that these can be used for other than their intended use?
Is there much difference between a flourescent, UV or metal halide light ballasts?
Also, I have a 2' flourescent light which case is VERY light (it almost seems empty except for a switch). I thought that these bulbs needed a ballast. I have also seen the little cylindrical things, about the diameter of an incadescent bulb screw base, with maybe 2 metal feet/connectors at the bottom. Are these ballasts as well and if so, do they work as well as the heavy ones?
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