2 foot T5 taking 120 volts?

swishatwista

Well-Known Member
I just picked up this 2' T5 duel 55w bulbs. Each bulb has 2 little bulbs instead of a fat one, so its 4, light tubes total. Could this light really need 120 volts? I bought it because they were supposed to be energy effecient, but with it sucking up that many volts i dont see how it could be effecient. If anybody could give me some input it'd be apreciated.
O, here's the link to the light. Sunleaves :: Sunleaves Nova
 

pwrram

Active Member
your light has a ballast that is powered by the 120 volts. you do not "suck up" voltage you only use current or wattage or amps call it what you like. the voltage is only carrying the current. and with your electric company you pay for current consumed not voltage so dont worry. those bulbs to your light are very efficient... =)
 

swishatwista

Well-Known Member
lol alright thanks. I was kind of confused because suposidely a electrical socket can only carry 105 volts, and this light requires 120 volts. Could you explain that a little bit. And can i plug anything else into that plug, if its a minor appliance like a laptop charger or a house lamp?
 

HowardWCampbell

New Member
lol alright thanks. I was kind of confused because suposidely a electrical socket can only carry 105 volts, and this light requires 120 volts. Could you explain that a little bit. And can i plug anything else into that plug, if its a minor appliance like a laptop charger or a house lamp?
I'm not sure what country you're in, but in the USA household voltage is between 110-120v. Your power company charges you based upon the amount of watts used, not voltage. To figure wattage, multiply volts x amps. In your case, you know you have 55 watt bulbs, so that makes it easier.

Just to confuse things a little, wire is rated by the amps it is capable of carrying. Too many amps makes the wire get hot, possibly leading to a fire.

A fixture with two 55w bulbs should use about one amp. Most household circuits can handle 15 amps. So to answer your second question, yes you can use the same outlet to plug in another lamp or small appliance.

If you are outside the USA disregard what I just said. I have no experience with foreign electrical systems, and I don't wanna be responsible for you burning your house down.
 
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