Where to Buy Lighting/Ballasts. Does "UL" matter?

[Ranger]

Hi all,

I would like to know some good sources to buy lighting and ballast equipment from. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, what about certification such as UL? Are there other certifications? I have seen a logo that looks like an “S” and “A” inside a “C” and an RL that seems to be mirrored backwards. The only name brand I saw that listed themselves as UL approved was the “All Glass” 55/110 W PC but they were expensive and not sold as separate components.
Any of you sparkies or technophiles know the deal on this?

I was looking at “Hello Lights”, they seem to be recommended allot and the prices are good. It seems like they use to have more variety of electronic ballasts for PC but now they’re all the ARO brand.

Thanks

 

[Aries]

The UL is a certification for US standards (cUL is Canadian). I would not buy anything without it, but in general is not too difficult to get the UL approval. The more certifications the better. In general, if you can find European certs, they are more strict.

For ballasts, I like the Fulham Workhorse series.

Things to look for in a ballast are Lamp Starting Mode (instant is best), Location Rating (need outdoors bc of water), and then of course if it has the power for your lamps.

As for buying, I got mine from www.prolighting.com but that was once. Are you building complete custom for a reason?? Have you considered www.ahsupply.com??

Just A Thought

Aries

 

[Ranger]

Aries,

Great link! thanks