Tell us more about your project.....
How many lights do you plan operate ?
What is your budget per lighting unit ?

There are vendors that make long life fluorescent tubes.
I am looking into how they are different than regular tubes.  Perhaps the e=
lectrodes are beefed up.
I think keeping tube filaments warm will increase the lifetime of the bulb.
A smart electronic ballast will minimize wear on electrodes.

Tubes die if the end electrodes are consumed.  ( Most likely your situation=
 )
Tubes die when the phosphors wear out.
Tubes die when the mercury is exhausted.  Modern tubes put in the minimum m=
ercury possible.


99guspuppet
--=20
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