Old Thorn fluorescent starter

[ericmark]

Don't mess about converting, just buy a complete LED fitting. The outcome will be much neater, and more satisfactory all round.

Yes, likely will look better with a new fitting. I am just giving the options.

 

[endecotp]

deleted

 

[endecotp]

the previous owner was an electrician and carpenter , there are millions of old new still boxed components in the work shed

Some of it may be worth something, though probably not much. Do you know a teenager who would take photos and list things on eBay, for pocket money?

 

[Maxiii]

Hi I keep meaning to do it , as I can’t throw them away for sure.

 

[Maxiii]

Don't mess about converting, just buy a complete LED fitting. The outcome will be much neater, and more satisfactory all round.

I agree but just for now the surroundings are not ready for new things to be attached so these two fittings I have that are suspended via chains on the bare rafters are convenient to convert right now . Ta .

 

[morqthana]

it makes that entire fitting scrap. Just replace it with a modern LED version.

Keep the Terry clips though, they can be useful for tool storage.

 

[morqthana]

there are millions of old new still boxed components in the work shed

But no spare starters?

What about tubes for it?

 

[morqthana]

Some of it may be worth something, though probably not much.

Don't be so sure - some old woodworking hand tools are quite collectible.

Do you know a teenager who would take photos and list things on eBay, for pocket money?

Or just do a quick inventory and list it here.

Some things, e.g. screws, nuts, bolts, are probably not worth the faff of eBay except as a job lot buyer collect, as they cost so much to post.

And there's always Freecycle. Charities who restore things.

Throwing things away should always be an absolute last resort.

 

[morqthana]

Hi I keep meaning to do it , as I can’t throw them away for sure.

Are you under any time pressure to clear the shed?

 

[ericmark]

I at one time, considered going self-employed, never did, but as a result I did keep which I thought may have been useful in stock, but most of it now is rubbish, Wylex fuse boxes, with fuses, and MCB replacements

will never be used. And I would never buy a second hand MCB as have seen where they don't trip at rated current.

Cable with old colours is another thing, may use in my own house, but otherwise just scrap value.

In the past, things were well-made and also big. So would not use an old isolator as simply too big. Also, asbestos was used in a lot of old equipment, so it now costs to get rid of it.

I have a lovely 70 watt metal halide lamp, great for the BBQ, but once that bulb fails, the whole thing is scrap.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I have a lovely 70 watt metal halide lamp, great for the BBQ, but once that bulb fails, the whole thing is scrap.

I have one fitted under the eaves, to light up the vast back garden area, when necessary via a remote control, which it isn't normally. Last time it was switched on, was when the police knocked at the door, asking if they could investigate a potential reported intruder, by next door.

In the drive, I have a big old HP sodium fitting, which likewise is only there for emergencies. I have a spare, identical 70w MH fitting, which just needs a replacement control gear, for which I have two new, spare lamps. My intention was, to take down the sodium, to replace it with the much neater MH fitting, if I could manage to repair the control, or source a replacement somewhere.

 

[Maxiii]

Are you under any time pressure to clear the shed?

You are right, most of it is tubs full of screws , threaded bolts , lots of it. And there are what may be sodium lamps they look new in their individual boxes, a few of those not many. There are loads of small drawers full of all manner again of metal bolts washers hooks etc. And there are some metal sheet material looks like aluminium, there’s steel there’s a block of lead. There’s blocks of iron, steel. There are two or three test equipment installed in place probably just old versions of say electrical testing meters , something indescribable which looks like a tester for something or other and theres small things in little cardboard covers only proper electro mechanical engineer’s would recognise I guess. There’s various lens or bulb covers for an old car , and loads of old hinges etc.
Of course all proper tools and equipment was removed by the previous family . So all in all there’s not a lot of use for anyone really except the ironmonger as theres lots of metal screws etc as already mentioned they are all flat head. I guess the best bit is a well set up shed for working in with benches and workbench and good lighting, until those starters fail as well!

 

[Maxiii]

I have one fitted under the eaves, to light up the vast back garden area, when necessary via a remote control, which it isn't normally. Last time it was switched on, was when the police knocked at the door, asking if they could investigate a potential reported intruder, by next door.

In the drive, I have a big old HP sodium fitting, which likewise is only there for emergencies. I have a spare, identical 70w MH fitting, which just needs a replacement control gear, for which I have two new, spare lamps. My intention was, to take down the sodium, to replace it with the much neater MH fitting, if I could manage to repair the control, or source a replacement somewhere.

There’s a MH control gear on ebay at the moment you have probably seen it.

 

[Maxiii]

Oh, OK, I missed that - in which case, it makes that entire fitting scrap. Just replace it with a modern LED version.

Four pin starters, went out, in the 1950's, which means the fitting much be at least 75 years old.

I tried unscrewing the strip of lid that conceals the wiring but it wants more dismantling after that so all in all I think it’s best to remove and replace as you say.
I realised also that it’s the covers I like on these lights so I am going to strip them of the old lighting and keep the covers installed and screw on the new LED fittings to them.
Thanks one and all , and a pleasure to make your acquaintance .

 

[morqthana]

In the drive, I have a big old HP sodium fitting, which likewise is only there for emergencies. I have a spare, identical 70w MH fitting, which just needs a replacement control gear, for which I have two new, spare lamps. My intention was, to take down the sodium, to replace it with the much neater MH fitting, if I could manage to repair the control, or source a replacement somewhere.

Keep an eye out for your, or nearby, councils replacing street lights with LED ones. Rock up when the old ones are being removed, see if you can blag a few.