Fluorescent loading?

[shedi123]

hi can anyone help me with this.

I have a lighting circuit with 2 x 58w fluorescent fittings and 5 x 36w fluorescent fittings. Obviously being a fluorescent load its not as simple as adding up the wattage. Its being controled via a Elkay 320A timer switch and just want to know if the switch is compatible. Any help would be good. Thanks[/list]

 

[Spark123]

What is the switches inductive rating?

 

[jockspark]

multiply by 1.8
2x58+5x36=296
296x1.8=532.8

 

[shedi123]

well you see it says in the instructions that is specific for this switch that its 16Amp for all load types including fluorescent, But on the switch it says 6 amp but doesn't specify what type of load. So i don't know

 

[ericmark]

Most switches are duel rated for resistive and inductive load and you need to look at the inductive load if using inductive start fluorescent fittings.
However with HF fluorescent fittings it is not quite so cut and dried but I would tend to treat them same as inductive start type to be on the safe side.
So I would class them as 1.5A inductive I think the timer you have is rated at 6A for fluorescent fittings.
But I am sure some details most have come with switch?

 

[shedi123]

Like i say the switch has 6amp printed on it where as the instructions tell me its compatible up to 16 amp of fluorescent loading!

 

[shedi123]

This is the timer. I Think it should be ok after all.
http://www.elkay.co.uk/product.asp?id=15&catid=1

 

[ericmark]

But the load you have talked about is well under 6A (1380W) so what's the problem?