Fluorescent tubes require an ionization voltage that is above 12 V.  The 12
V dc inverter provides the necessary input voltage to operate a 'ballast'
that allows the powering of conventional Fluorescent tubes from a battery
system.

More than you might like to know can be found here:

http://members.misty.com/don/f-lamp.html

Pensionerd.

On Tue, Feb 23, 2010 at 5:36 PM, Joy Hecht <jhecht@alum.mit.edu> wrote:

> What is "inverter assisted lighting"?  And what is a 12V ballast?   Or an
> Iota ballast?
>
>
>
> Joy
>
>
>
> On Tue, Feb 23, 2010 at 9:56 AM, Richard A Jones <Jones@colorado.edu>
> wrote:
>
> > I think these days inverter assisted lighting is a very good alternative.
> >>
> >
> >
> > You can get 12V ballasts from Northern Arizona:
> > http://store.solar-electric.com/12vodcbaforf.html
> >
> > We use them in the mtn cabin--stock 115V fixtures,
> > 20 watt tubes, with an Iota ballast replacing the
> > stock.  The fixtures are ~$5, but I do feel bad
> > trashing the 115V ballast....
> >
> > Richard
> >
>