Some NOS F96 Watt Miser PGs for sale.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Case-of-8-GE-Watt-Miser-Power-Groove-PG17-42666-G-F96PG17-CW-WM-Fluorescent-Tube-/281368915530?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4182e4ee4a

I just bought a case, I could not pass this up at this price as they ain't making these no more.


The price just went from $179 to $219!

Update 7/3/14:
Well it looks like Fed Ex managed to break the bulbs in shipping.
So the sellers are shipping a replacement case of F96PGs.
These rare bulbs are not replaceable.
Stupid Fed Ex .

Update 7/14/14:

I received my case of 8 F96PGCWWMs today and they arrived safe and sound.
It may be the only 8 foot PGs I will ever own.
Actually it is the only 8 foot PGs I have ever owned.
These things are huge.
The date printed on the original box label is 10/05.
Now to make a fixture for two of them  





Also if you are looking for 48 inch PGs.

I also bought a case of these last month for the same reason as above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/290393798356?_trksid=p2059210.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

Good find!  If I used these in an outdoor fixture, would they have the same 60F minimum start temperature as other energy saving lamps?  I read that T12 VHOs use a neon or neon-argon fill mix.  Anyone know what these use and the low-temperature implications?  I want an old gas station fixture someday and wonder if PG Miser lamps work well in these fixtures in the winter.

Matt

Good find!  If I used these in an outdoor fixture, would they have the same 60F minimum start temperature as other energy saving lamps?  I read that T12 VHOs use a neon or neon-argon fill mix.  Anyone know what these use and the low-temperature implications?  I want an old gas station fixture someday and wonder if PG Miser lamps work well in these fixtures in the winter.

Matt

I think most of the service station lighting used the 48 inch and 72 inch long PGs.
They were used in cold weather locations, but were used in an enclosed fixture for cold weather use.
They were even used in street lighting for many years.
I would guess the Watt Miser would have the same cold weather starting temperature since they are of the rapid start design with the continuously heated filaments, but mot sure.
 
I was told that the 96 inch PGs were used mostly for high bay lighting in warehouses and factories and other high ceiling interior applications.
Maybe a member here can clarify this.

I don't really pay attention to minimum temperature ratings. A typical F40 rapid start setup, despite being rated for 50°F (60° for 34w), will fire up just fine well below freezing. Sure, the lamps will flicker and striate, but in an enclosed fixture, they will act normally within about 10 minutes. The Powergrooves, being VHO, should warm up even faster due to the additional heat. I wouldn't worry about it.