Fluorescent Lights and Digital Scales--------Again

[lightman]

I've read several threads about fluorescent lights and digital scales. I have determined that the T-8 fixture that is mounted on the ceiling over my loading bench has no effect on my RCBS Chargemaster. But, does anyone have any experience with the newer LED replacement bulbs that use the existing ballast? I recently replaced the ones in my kitchen and I'm happy enough with them that I'm thinking about replacing the ones in my loading room. Any comments are welcome.

[onelight]

I've read several threads about fluorescent lights and digital scales. I have determined that the T-8 fixture that is mounted on the ceiling over my loading bench has no effect on my RCBS Chargemaster. But, does anyone have any experience with the newer LED replacement bulbs that use the existing ballast? I recently replaced the ones in my kitchen and I'm happy enough with them that I'm thinking about replacing the ones in my loading room. Any comments are welcome.

You can also get led replacements for fluorescent tubes that need no ballast.

[lawdog941]

I use an old AM handheld radio and start far away and get closer to the bulbs. Usually, it will start humming once you get close enough. Around 2-3 feet is usually where the hum will get louder. My lights are 3 ft above and it, so far, has not had impact on my RCBS Lite. Also, when purchasing the bulbs, look for the FCC part 18 certification. This will limit any interference by the bulb. Learned from years of Ham Radio.

[Greg S]

https://www.amazon.com/?tag=smsg2-ubpl-pczz-pzz-us-20

I had a similar problem. Get some ferrite chokes (noise filters) that snap on your wall wart cord of your scales power supply. Measure the diameter of the power cord and order accordingly. If Tandy was still in business, this would be the place to go. I installed two on mine, one at either end of the cord. Helped with drift alot.

[cat-mechanic]

One of the reasons I went with LED lights. Just so I wouldn't have to worry about the interference.

[Froogal]

Balance beam scales are not affected.

[Conditor22]

I have a high wattage led daylight bulb and no problems seeing my chargemaster

[sharps4590]

You won't have any problems with LED's and your scale. I've never had any with T-8's and my PACT digital scale. As ballasts fail, I am replacing regular fluro's with LED's. The house is already converted, just no the shop or my basement office.

Today we converted 30, 2 X 4 troffers in a book store to non-ballasted, T-8, LED's. These days converting to LED is about 70% of my work.

[Shawlerbrook]

LED’s are the way to go.

[Tom W.]

I have a fluorescent light above my bench, and had one when I lived in Eufaula. It didn't interfere with my PACT scale. A small bug will drive a balance beam crazy......

[lightman]

You won't have any problems with LED's and your scale. I've never had any with T-8's and my PACT digital scale. As ballasts fail, I am replacing regular fluro's with LED's. The house is already converted, just no the shop or my basement office.

Today we converted 30, 2 X 4 troffers in a book store to non-ballasted, T-8, LED's. These days converting to LED is about 70% of my work.

Thanks for the reply. LED's were just getting popular when I retired and were still so expensive that no one that I worked for was interested. So, my experience with them is limited.

[NyFirefighter357]

I just converted one 4ft in my shop to 120v LED. Next project is to convert 2-8ft units to either 2-8ft LED bulbs or 4-4ft LED bulbs. I can't stand the hum any longer!

[David2011]

It’s nice having the LED lights come on instantly when it’s cold too.

[cwlongshot]

I was always amazed re loaders would gamble the accuracy of weighing charges on something effected by unseen forces... Balance beams only need level no breeze environments.

I have a couple electronics. Yea they are handy but Ill never ever use ine solo to weigh a powder charge!!

Some things you simply dont fool with. Garbage scales / ones prone to known problems is a big one!

CW

[onelight]

Here is a source , you can get 4’ tubes at Lowe’s or Home Depot but here is a source for tubes that don’t need a ballast and the Bi-Pin Sockets. that fit in the fixture (not all are compatible)
https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/t8-led-tube-lights/

[ioon44]

I have been switching to LED's for a few years now and will be glad when the last fluorescent light is gone.

[lightman]

Some things you simply dont fool with. Garbage scales / ones prone to known problems is a big one! CW

Thousands of reloaders don't consider RCBS digital scales to be garbage. But thanks for your reply!

[cwlongshot]

Something as important as a powder measure thats effected by unseen forces like a light... What would you call it????

Its NOTHING I want any part of!!

Beam scales are whats used. Why would you set yourself up to fail??

[Big Wes]

How much of interference to the scale readings does the fluorescents actually cause?

[cwlongshot]

How much of interference to the scale readings does the fluorescents actually cause?

Its different and mostly unknown, the older florescent ballasts (that flicker at 60 cycles) and ANY other electrical device can and sometimes will cause erratic readings with electronic scales. Again, You don't really know unless you know a given weight of something... Where it off a lil you would not know. (There in lies the HUGE problem.) The reason is because thats exactly how these scales work. They measure very small electrical changes and convert that to weight. Some circuitry is better than others and improvements have been made at filtering out the ****.

WHY chance it? We KNOW its a problem.. We aint bakin a cake here that might just taste funny might not rise properly. One could blow a hand or face off...

Again, I'm no hypocrite, I have and use a digital scale, I'll just never trust it,as a stand alone for powder.

CW