Flourescent light problems

[gstanton]

How do you tell if if there is a problem with the light bulb, or the connector, or the ballast? I have a few 8 ft long flourescent lights that sometime work, sometimes don't. These have the single post on each end of the bulb. Seems like I can replace a bulb and it works fine, then next time... it won't come on! Leads me to think it's not the bulb, perhaps corrosion on the inside of the connector?

Any tips will be appreciated!

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Flourescent light problems

Never seen tubes with just one post at each end.

 

[MTboatguy]

Re: Flourescent light problems

Single pin tubes are pretty common in the states, do your lights have external starters?, it would look like a small capacitor that clips in, are the ballasts making any noise? Are the tubes turning black at the ends?, can you see swirls in the tube when they start up? When they do start, do they sometimes turn off, then cool down and turn back on?

Lots of questions, you might do a google search based on your clues. That is what I did the last time I had trouble with my lights.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Flourescent light problems

Sounds like your starters are on the way out.

 

[Pierutrus]

Re: Flourescent light problems

A weak ballast will play games like which you describe. Doesn't even have to be that old of a ballast for it to happen. They just start breaking down over time. Some quicker than others.
My 2 cents is a weak ballast in your case. Your type of florescent is of the "bayonet" type, single pin.
The "tombstone" as you describe the connector as being, hardly will ever go bad unless you see burning/burnt signs on them. Or they become brittle and break. After you insert the tube, just give it a twist back and forth to get a good connection.
Hope this helps.

 

[flycaster]

Re: Flourescent light problems

High humidity along with a good film of dust will raise havoic with Flourescent tubes also.
Take the tubes out and wipe with a clean dry cloth and replace to see if this might be your problem

 

[dvandsm64]

Re: Flourescent light problems

High humidity along with a good film of dust will raise havoic with Flourescent tubes also.
Take the tubes out and wipe with a clean dry cloth and replace to see if this might be your problem

they will act funny and burn up quicker in a cold area too

 

[99yam40]

Re: Flourescent light problems

I have found the newer electronic ballasts put out more voltage for starting and do not have those problems as bad as the older magnetic ones did.

 

[Boomyal]

Re: Flourescent light problems

I have found the newer electronic ballasts put out more voltage for starting and do not have those problems as bad as the older magnetic ones did.

I own a small commercial building that I did some remodeling in about 9 years ago. The building has a mix of old style 4' x 4 tube flourescent fixtures and 4 new recessed 4' x 4 bulb (I think T10 bulbs) with electronic ballasts.

The old style fixtures are now 40 years old and none of their ballasts have needed to be replaced, at least in the last 22 years.

Out of the 4 new ones, all of the electronic ballasts have needed to be replaced and on one of the 4, I have had to replace it twice. Very aggravating!!!