If I wanted to use a fluorescent tube in a lamp, which needs to be powered by the mains...How would I do this?

Question

I need to make a lamp for school and am using a fluorescent tube as the light and it needs to be compact and fit inside some bamboo that is 7cm in diametre (The lenght is not important yet) Would I need a transformer? How much are they? How will I connect the ends of the fluorescent tube?

Answer 1

o.k. don't use mains voltage if you can help it , especially if you have to move it around . what you want is a 12 volt flourescent fitting (complete) ,similar to the sort that go under kitchen cupboards ,but 12volt for say a camper . i have fitted plenty in my camper , which i got 2nd hand from an ambulance ( nice and long ) even a coach or bus would have the same thing , just power it with a 12 volt car battery or transformer. you can buy new ones from a good caravan accessory shop.can't help you with price but a few pounds should cover it . cheers , dave .

Answer 2

If you can get by with the compact flourescent bulbs that have their own internal ballasts, that is the way to go; otherwise if you're trying to use a conventional flourescent tube that has 2 pins on each end you're going to have to put in a ballast (and maybe a starter and starter socket). Alternatively, you might be able to buy a commercial fixture/lamp that will do what you want. (Sounds almost like you're working on a science fair project.)

I've seen compact flourescent bulbs that put out about as much light as a 60 watt incandescent go for as low as $1.50 to $2.50

Answer 3

You can use a compact fluorescent which is self contained and screws into a standard bulb socket

Answer 4

go to your local aquarium/fishtank store.... they have thin tubes, with all the workings separate.

Answer 5

Please buy a self ballasted compact fouorescent bulb and you will solve this problem. Thanks, Ken.