Magic Blue Smoke

[mistereric]

So, I put a load into the A806 last night, and had retired to the living room to watch some TV. A moment later I smelled a burning smell, and it was coming from the laundry. The washer had a sweet burning smell and at first i thought it was the belts. As I was sniffing around, the console light flashed brighter, and then flickered and went out... and a moment later, smoke wafted out of the control panel.

I shut the machine off. Have not removed the console cover yet but I suspect it was the ballast. Nothing on repairclinic for it. Anyone have any ideas on what ballast to use?

 

[redcarpetdrew]

Drop me a line with your email. I may have a spare ballast from a A806 donor...

RCD

 

[swestoyz]

Andy - nice save for Eric! Donor parts are very handy.

Eric - can you do me a favor? When you pull your old ballast can you pull the numbers off of it? I'd like to find a replacement at Grainger for future reference. Thanks --

Ben

 

[mistereric]

Thanks guys! I'll post pics when I get to taking it apart.

 

[toggleswitch2]

Aren't normal thickness fluorescent tubes rated at 10 watts per foot?

So I'm guessing it's an 18 inch (1.5 foot) tube in there with a 14 or 15 watt lamp. It may be less for a slim-line tube.

Many balasts will due, as long as the one you choose is rated for the size/wattage of your lamp, and is the type that is equipped for a starter. (i'm assuming you have a starter?"

I'd say change the starter as well.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fluorescent_lamp

 

[toggleswitch2]

Dayum, I've got my reading cut out for me this evening..

More than ANYONE ever wanted to know.......

http://members.misty.com/don/f-lamp.html

 

[douglasdc6]

Since I collect early flourescent light fixtures & bulbs I can help you with this one .

The starter should be an FS-2

The ballast is nothing more then a preheat choke coil.

The ballast and starter should be available at home depot & lowes .

Give me a moment & I`ll post a picture of what you need .

 

[douglasdc6]

Preheat ballast for lamp types 14, 15, 18 & 20 watt fluoresc

If you have to hold down on the light button to preheat the bulb Then you do not need a starter.

If you flip a switch & the bulb blinks a few times before it lights then a starter is recommended .

Also check the bulb for heavy end darkening - A dying bulb can kill a ballast.

Any large hardware store should have these parts

1. preheat choke ballast for 14, 15, 18 or 20 watt fluorescent bulb this ballast will fire the thin T8 & wider T12 bulbs

2. If the circuit requires a starter FS-2

Hope this helps