Inverters and fluorescent lamps

[chewi]

My 600w (Modified Sine wave) inverter says specifically not to use for fluorescent lamps, which is a bummer 'cos that was exactly the plan.

Anybody know why? would it kill the lamp or the inverter. Would there be other appliances one should avoid?

 

[awol]

Can kill the inverter depending on the type of starter the fluorescent tube uses to strike the light - 12v lights are available. I imagine any appliance likely to generate high voltage spikes could present a problem.

 

[chewi]

Its for my garage in a block which I use as a workshop/shed but I have no power except a long extension along the pavement.
The 12v fluos are small so they cast shadows.
I thought a real fluo and inverter would be a tidy solution for brief visits.

 

[rogerthebodger]

Why not just use some LED lights around your workshop. You could even use some dot-it lights over each working site.

 

[chewi]

Why not just use some LED lights around your workshop. You could even use some dot-it lights over each working site.

I only bought the fluo last week to replace a previous (rusty) one and have already fitted it.
Adding DC wiring all over the place for led lights would be a nuisance , and a long fluo illuminates the whole garage from a single supply & will also work from an extension lead when I need real power,
My previous 15yrold 150W cheap MSW inverter worked with the fluo.
I may have to get LED striplights instead, but I wondered why the inverter was not built to cope with such a common requirement as a light.