Ceiling fans and fluorescent lights

[MillWeld]

In my barn I installed a ceiling fan on the same circuit as a series of fluorescent lights and when I flipped the switch the nearest light wouldn't come on. I figured inductive loads and fluorescent light ballasts are incompatible so I relocated the fan to a circuit with only motor driven devices and all is well now. I discussed this with an electrical engineer and electronics tech friends and they were not aware of a conflict. Interesting. Any comments or experience here?

 

[MikeInMaine]

That's pretty weird. I've never seen that. If I had done the work, I would have then checked my connections, made sure my fluorescent lamps were rotated properly in the sockets, checked all those little things, probably as you did. Some new fluorescent fixtures come with quick-connects that sometimes don't connect that well. Those cause me problems once in a while.

You didn't mention if your ballasts were electronic or magnetic. While I don't know what difference that would make (I still think there shouldn't have been a problem) it could be an important detail.

This'll be interesting to discover a plausible answer!

 

[oldnslo]

Some flourecent lights are low voltage sensitive and won't ignite. If for some reason the ceiling fan would cause the voltage to drop below say 105 VAC it may cause one of the lights to not start. I would be more concerned about what caused the voltage drop and that time. Undersized circuit wiring, poor connection, bad circuit breaker, etc. All of these could pose a fire hazard down the road.

Not saying this is it but might be worth a few minutes time with a volt meter to see if you get a voltage drop on that circuit.

This possible cause is based on having problems with some lights not working when power company was having low voltage issues. Our power was down to 100 to 105 VAC on 120 VAC system.

Roy