Will 240V fluorescent tube starter work at 110v?

[david dutton]

Hi, I'm a novice looking for advice.
I need to replace the fluorescent tube and starter on my American pinball machine.
The current tube and starter operate at 110v
The tube is a F18T 8CW which seems to be available in UK so I've ordered one of those.
The existing starter is a UL brand with descriotion on it "FS-U 4-30W 120V with condenser"
Can I use one of the many 4-65W 240V starters instead?
What is the relevance of the "with condenser" bit - is that a special type?
Many thanks for any advice
David

 

[Darkwood]

Why don't you replace the fitting with a LED that has a driver pack that runs off universal voltages, I suspect the voltage has indeed a relevance to the operation of the starter as it effects the current flow thus the switching operation of the starter.

 

[Lucien Nunes]

The UK 230V starter may be very slow to operate or not operate at all, as the glow discharge depends on the mains voltage (until the tube strikes, the whole voltage is across the starter). I think 120V starters have a different gas fill. All glow starters from the last few decades and all on sale now, contain a condenser (capacitor), it's for radio interference suppression.

If your pinball is a stock 110V US machine running from a 230-110 stepdown transformer, the fluorescents (specifically) will be overrun because their ballasts will be designed for 60Hz and will pass extra current at 50Hz. Not a big deal but can cause tube failure. If it was supplied in the UK it may have 110V 50Hz (special) ballasts so the whole thing can run on the stepdown.

Arcade machine collectors often value originality very highly - converting original fluorescent fixtures to LED might be considered an unnecessary modernisation. Fitting an LED substitute for the tube, in the original holders, bypassing the ballast is an option. UK machine dealers may have stock of the 120V starter though.

 

[david dutton]

Thank you, that is most helpful

I think from info in the pinball community that the ballasts even on UK supplied games are 60Hz which as you say can be a problem over time.

Looks like I will need to buy myself a new 120v starter

 

[freddo]

A standard series starter should work just fine. Series Starter for 4-22w Fluorescent Tubes - https://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/BGFS2.html

 

[david dutton]

thank you Freddo. I think the one I ordered wasn't a series one, so I've now ordered one of those as well

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Very good point Freddo - a series starter IS a 120V starter.

 

[david dutton]

Fitted the new tube and a "series" starter and all is working well now. Many thanks for the helpful and informative comments

 

[Lucien Nunes]

Thanks for the update - have fun. One day I will put the legs back on my Williams Aztec and polish up the playfield.

 

[david dutton]

Thanks for the update - have fun. One day I will put the legs back on my Williams Aztec and polish up the playfield.

You should, there is a big home pinball scene these days and they deserve to be played