Can You Overdrive T5 Compacts?

[smithrc]

Not sure if its actually called over driving... all I want to do is use a twin 36W starter to power 2x 24W tubes.

The aim is not more light - just the the twin feature that Interpet dont offer on 18 or 24W starters...

After reading something about T8's and the fact that its the ballast's ability to drive and not the actual compatibility that is rated, I started running a 36" tube from a stater for a 42"... with no ill effects.

Is it the same with T5's eg a 36W starter can run 36W and below?

 

[SkiFletch]

I believe with any type of flourescents this is the case. With halides, that's a big no-no, but should be fine with flourescent. I hope someone else can confirm though...

 

[Mad Duff]

The 36W basically just tells you the maximum that it will run you shouldn't have any problems using smaller tubes.

 

[smithrc]

The 36W basically just tells you the maximum that it will run you shouldn't have any problems using smaller tubes.

Thanks folks...
I'll get a twin 36W sorted then and retrofit my nano with 2x 24Ws