On another forum (a couple others here hang there as well) we've been having a discussion on fluorescent fixture ballast replacement. The problem has become that the old magnetic style has just about disappeared. Late last year one of my ballasts (8' fixture) died. I go to the big box hardware as well as local hardware stores and all they have are "electronic" ballasts. I call the tech lines of, I think it was GE, and check to see if those are a suitable replacement. In a word.....no! Seems you can't mix electronic and magnetic ballasts on the same circuit.........which means I'd have to replace all 9 fixtures/ballasts. A little online searching and I was able to buy some NOS magnetic ballasts on ebay so bought a few for "just in case". Looked at LED replacement lamps, but the prices were astronomical. Well, as often happens with emerging technologies, the prices have come down for the LEDs, and probably will some more over time. At the same time, folks have been doing what I did, and the availability of older magnetic ballasts is shrinking quickly.

So, if you get into a similar pickle, consider the LED replacements. They give off good light, run cooler, don't have the characteristic hum of a fluorescent, and use less energy. They do require a small wiring change to bypass the ballast, but only takes minutes. Here's a pretty cost effective supplier for now; http://www.amazon.com/WYZM-4-Pack-Do...46QX5E8WC5EBM8 As with many things the more you buy the lower the unit cost. It wouldn't surprise me if in, say 6 months, they'll be even lower. I may have outsmarted myself buying an extra supply of those magnetic ballasts!