How can i connect two FL tubes(18W ) to a 40W ballast

How can i connect two FL tubes(18W ) to a 40W ballast, the ballast is made for single tube

Below shows the connection diagram of the ballast

Hi,

I am also searching for the same. I connected two 18W FL in series with 36W Magnetic Ballast but not able to find suitable 110V or PHILIPS S2 starter in local market in India and failed to lit both FL.

Masters your suggestions/tips are highly required

So far, I've found that electronic ballasts have series LC resonant circuit where inductor goes in series with one side filament and capacitor goes in place of starter (connecting both filaments). If we connect two FL in series like below text

FL-1 Filament-Left
===============
Pin1 --> Connect to inductor (inside the ballast)
Pin2 --> Connect to capacitor-1
FL-1 Filament-Right
================
Pin3 --> Connect to capacitor-1
Pin4 --> Connect to FL-2 Filament-Left Pin1

FL-2 Filament-Left
===============
Pin1 --> FL-1 Pin4
Pin2 --> Second capacitor-2 of same value (extra component need to purchase)
FL-2 Filament-Right
================
Pin3 --> Second capacitor-2
Pin4 --> Line Neutral

but according to online text this arrangement will make capacitor values to half (capacitor will appear in series) and will also half the voltage on TL. Half capacitor value will alter LC resonant frequency and may not produce the required ARC between filaments after preheat.

I think if we double the value of resonant capacitor (parallel same value capacitor) the LC resonance frequency will not alter and it will be able to produce ARC. I do not know how this will impact the filament life and preheating time.

If I connect single 18W FL to 36W ballast what will be the adverse effects?

Please shed some light.

this is very simple.

just conntct them in series .

Will you please elaborate the series connection of 18W FL on single 36W Electronic Ballast

take this

I have question

how middle filaments will preheat and form ARC when they are electrically isolated?

Fluorescent Lamps in Series


For detail see https://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_flamp.html

Thanks iukhan but I have already mentioned that magnetic ballast and starter arrangement has failed for me due to non availability of 110V starter.

If you know something about series connection using 36W electronic ballast please share.

Did you tried with 220V ones? Here they never fail in this circuit. Only tubes are are more randomly swithched by starters so it takes more initial time to fully glow.
Extra 12Vac voltage from a small transformer, fed to centre two elements in series can do the trick in circuit with electronic choke.

Yes on 220V mains supply.

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Yes on 220V mains supply.