Posted on Sep 20, 2016
Why do some (versus all) of my fluorescent lights intermittently turn on?
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My question is your answer. I have a fixture of 4 fluorescent lights that appear burnt out, however, sometimes they all turn on as opposed to all do not turn on. I would appreciate your thoughts on the fix.
Edited 8 y ago
Posted 8 y ago
Responses: 3
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One would normally see two lights NOT working IF one of the light bulbs is bad, which you can replace. Its a bit unusual to see 4 lights not work occasionally. Assuming your electric is OK and wired connections are OK...then....
I would look at the ballast, inside the metal cover down the middle of the light fixture. Sometimes the ballast can have a temperature thermostat that resets when the temps are too high. You see this mostly on 8 foot fixtures. You can replace the ballast quite easily.
On shorter length fixtures some old timey fixtures have starters and they can go bad, its a little cylinder located at the end of the fixture. They too can be replaced.
Hope some of this food for thought helps!
I would look at the ballast, inside the metal cover down the middle of the light fixture. Sometimes the ballast can have a temperature thermostat that resets when the temps are too high. You see this mostly on 8 foot fixtures. You can replace the ballast quite easily.
On shorter length fixtures some old timey fixtures have starters and they can go bad, its a little cylinder located at the end of the fixture. They too can be replaced.
Hope some of this food for thought helps!
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I would bet they are not seating completely in ballasts. I suggest replacing them.
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either or both or all
connections
ballast
Tube
I dont spend money or time on my T8 fixtures in the shop any more, as each goes bad it gets replaced with an LED fixture... I buy two at a time, and keep at least on on hand for a quick swap as a T8 bulb, ballast goes out.
I've done 5 so far, leaving 9 more to go. get um on sale at sam's club, costco or Lowes / HD
connections
ballast
Tube
I dont spend money or time on my T8 fixtures in the shop any more, as each goes bad it gets replaced with an LED fixture... I buy two at a time, and keep at least on on hand for a quick swap as a T8 bulb, ballast goes out.
I've done 5 so far, leaving 9 more to go. get um on sale at sam's club, costco or Lowes / HD
(1)
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