dim lights in FF Reach In

[crisrs]

I got a couple of 3 door freezers with Ardco Vanguard doors and frames. The problem is the flourescent VHO lamps go real dim when they get down to temp -5 to -15 F. Anybody got any ideas about this.

[Dad]

We have found many Ardco doors doing this.

After we cross check the numbers we find that someone put in the incorrect bulb (should be low temp) or an electrician has installed a off brand ballast in it.

Give Ardco a call with your numbers and they can fill you in.

http://www.ardcodoors.com/

[alpha480v]

The case doesn't have the right ballast installed.Sounds like a (0 degree ballast) is in the case,and should be a
(-20 degree ballast).

[icemeister]

I've found many display freezers with HO 800 Ma lamps and ballasts that won't work worth a damn if the lamp covers are missing or not installed properly. These fluorescents need the covers to keep the lamp temperatures up to get any kind of brightness. The old 1500 Ma VHO lamp systems have really gone out of fashion it seems..........possibly due to the inefficiency and high cost of operation, but man they were bright. ;)

I may be daydreaming again, but I seem to recall the old Kelvinator reach-ins for 7-11 stores had VHO ballasts but the lamps were standard F40-T12CW that had heaters inside the lamp shields.

[alpha480v]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by icemeister
[B]I've found many display freezers with HO 800 Ma lamps and ballasts that won't work worth a damn if the lamp covers are missing or not installed properly. These fluorescents need the covers to keep the lamp temperatures up to get any kind of brightness. The old 1500 Ma VHO lamp systems have really gone out of fashion it seems..........possibly due to the inefficiency and high cost of operation, but man they were bright. ;)

Good point,I had forgotten about the shatter shields and end caps.I still see alot of the 1500 ma cases out there in my area.

[Freezeking2000]

Im with ICE on this one!

[crisrs]

Thanks for the help on this one. I'm going get my double reverse mirror so I can read those ballast specs without getting my head frozen. Every tube in these freezers is missing shields and end caps so I'll start there.

[Freezeking2000]

that will most likely take care of it .i have never seen a bright bulb with no shield. Also they sell bulbs with a built in shield now, but they are $$$$$.