12V 1000W inverter

[steve_m]

I've just bought an inverter to power some stuff in my garage from a leisure battery but it won't power the fluorescent tube lighting.

Is it the higher current required to start them ?  The Inverter is a 1000W unit from tlc - powers the drill very well, you wouldn't know it wasn't plugged into the mains directly but the lights are a problem.  I suppose I can get some normal bulbs but I'd rather use the tube lighting.

Any way around it, maybe different starters ?

[peterg]

just did a quick internet search using Google and found stuff that points to you probably needing a 'high frequency transistor inverter' to power flourescent tubes    but then again that maybe what you already have....  

I would get some normal bulbs or you could perhaps try a flood lamp (like a 500w halogen security light on a stand - Screwfix /Machine Mart do them for about £30) but this might drain the battery down a bit quick  

[Turbo Tommo]

Why don't you use a 12v bulb straight off the battery. The power consumption is just the same. In fact a couple of 50w sealed beam headlight units would light the garage up a treat

[steppenwolf]

Alternatively, some 12v 13 watt fluorescent lights from a caravan shop/yacht chandlers would be fine. These work remarkably well and are, of course, designed for the supply that you have available - your leisure battery.

Personally, I have never liked inverters, prefering to use 12v appliances directly - hence I even have a 12v soldering iron in my collection!