Fluorescent lamp fixture and method of dissipating heat from same

A fluorescent lamp fixture for mounting a ballast and at least one fluorescent lamp, said fixture comprising:

• a molded housing having a top and sides, said top having a groove extending a major portion of the length of said housing, said groove presenting at least two sides and an opening;
• a hat-shaped metal strip comprising an outer wall having at least two surfaces in contact with said sides of said groove, a pair of inner walls positioned relative to said outer wall so as to define a chamber, and two flanges extending outside of said groove for contact with said housing top;
• at least one fastener slidably held by said strip, wherein a portion of said fastener is retained within said chamber and said fastener is adapted to secure the ballast in direct contact with said flanges whereby heat from the ballast is transferred to said metal strip and dissipated from said housing during use.

A method of extending the life of a ballast used in conjunction with a fluorescent lamp in a fluorescent lamp fixture, comprising:

• providing a molded housing, said housing defining a groove along a major portion of the length of said housing;
• providing a metal strip fixed within said groove;
• mounting said ballast in direct contact with said strip, wherein said strip conducts heat away from said ballast during use.