Reasons Why My Fluorescent Light Doesn't Work
- Inspect the Fluorescent Tube If the fluorescent tube is flickering or dead when you turn the light switch on, remove the light diffuser, if any. ...
- Check the Light Sockets Gently push the fluorescent tube in its socket. ...
- Damaged or Oxidized Contacts Check the prongs of the sockets. ...
- Replace the Starter Old fluorescent light fixtures use starters, also called ballasts, for lighting the tube. ...
Why is my fluorescent light fixture not working?
Troubleshooting a Fluorescent Light
- Does not light. Test to make sure that all of the bulbs are seated properly. ...
- Flickering. If the tubes are flickering, seating could also be at play. Make sure that the tubes are properly seated first and foremost.
- Humming or buzzing. If you notice a humming or buzzing, the ballast is typically at fault. ...
Why did my fluorescent light stop working?
Why did my fluorescent light stop working?
- Then disconnect the electricity.
- If you are working on a light, we recommend that you cut off the power at the breaker to prevent unintentional electricity being delivered to the light.
- The bulbs should be removed.
- Removing the metal barrier that protects the ballast is necessary.
- Check to see what kind of ballast is installed in your light fixture.
Why are my fluorescent lights not working sometimes?
- Flickering.
- Buzzing.
- Delayed start.
- Low output.
- Inconsistent lighting levels.
- Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp.
- Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.
Why would a fluorescent light stop working?
Like other lighting fixtures, fluorescent light fixtures sometimes work improperly. Aside from a burnt tube, other factors, such as a worn starter and loose or oxidized electrical contacts, can contribute to a fluorescent light not working properly.
Why are there dark spots on my fluorescent light bulb?
How to fix a loose fluorescent light fixture?
How to replace a oxidized wire?
How to remove fluorescent tube when switch is dead?
Why are fluorescent lights used?
Is fluorescent starter universal?
See 3 more
About this website
Fluorescent Lighting Problems and How To Fix Them
Guide to Fluorescent Light Fixtures and How to Fix Them Electrical Question: My Fluorescent kitchen light was not coming on quickly if at all. I have replaced the ballast which fixed the problem for about 3 days.
Fluorescent Light Won’t Turn On Sometimes: What You Can Do to Fix It
Since a dead fluorescent bulb can’t be repaired, the only way to fix a fluorescent light with a dead bulb is to go buy a new one. Some places fluorescent light bulbs can be purchased include Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot.
Why are my fluorescent lights not working sometimes?
I have a fluorescent light fixture in my kitchen, which uses u-shaped tubes. A few weeks ago they just stopped working. I could turn the switch on and there'd just be no light.
Fluorescent Light Fixture And Tube Troubleshooting and Repair
On the home repair scale of 1 to 10 (10 being hardest), repairing a fluorescent fixture is a 3 or 4... fairly simple but some basic electrical skills are necessary, such as being able to identify wires by color, stripping insulation from the ends of cut wires, installing wire nuts and reading instructions.
Why won't my fluorescent light turn on?
In tropical or subtropical places, fluorescent lights sometimes won’t turn on in high humidity due to corrosion.
What could be wrong with my light bulb?
It could be as simple as needing to replace the bulb or plug the light itself in; or, it could be something more serious, such as a blown fuse or a damaged/dying starter.
What is ballast in fluorescent light?
First of all, what is a ballast? In fluorescent lights, the ballast controls how much voltage the light bulb gets.
How long do fluorescent ballasts last?
Unusual wear-and-tear or damage notwithstanding, ballasts for fluorescent lights should last at least a decade. As a result, it is worth doing a cost comparison—especially if the fixture is relatively new.
What is the first step to troubleshooting any electric device?
I know, you hate to hear it. But it’s true, the first step to troubleshooting any electric device is making sure it is plugged in.
Why does my fuse blow?
The general cause of a blown fuse is that too many appliances are plugged in and it overwhelms the circuits.
How long does it take to replace a ballast?
The entire process should only take about 10 minutes.
What happens if a fluorescent bulb burns out?
If a fluorescent lamp burn out while in the socket it may also burn out the ballast, and if that is the case then a new ballast may be needed. Also, check to see if there is a lamp starter which looks like a small round silver can about 1/2 inch in diameter and about 1 inch long.
How to stop fluorescent lights from flickering?
One way to eliminate the problem of dim or flickering fluorescent lights that are controlled by a motion detector is to have the motion detector trigger a small 120 volt control relay, and have the light fixture controlled through the contacts of the control relay, not the motion detector.
What factors affect fluorescent light fixtures?
The factors that affect a fluorescent light fixture are basically the lamps and the ballast but if the lamps are allowed to turn dark and burn out in the sockets then the ballast may need to be replaced. Be sure the lamp pins are fully seated into the sockets and that the light fixtures are well grounded. Shine On!
How long does a T5 fluorescent lamp last?
A quality brand name standard T5 fluorescent lamp is rated up to 30,000 hours of life based on 12 hours of usage after a single start. Keep in mind that all lamps are not the same, and an off brand lamp of lesser quality may have a lower life span, and the same goes for the ballasts.
What happens when you hit the switch?
When you hit the switch you see a flicker of light at one end of the U shaped bulbs but that is about it.
What to do if playback doesn't begin?
If playback doesn't begin shortly, try restarting your device.
When replacing a ballast, should you replace all of the lamps?
When you replace a ballast always replace all of the lamps and start fresh. Lamps are much less expensive that a ballast, and besides, you don’t have to worry about lamps for a while. A Bad Ballast. As indicated above, if replacing a ballast make sure it is intended for the exact lamps that are being used.
How many screws do fluorescent lights need to be in a junction box?
Only two screws hold the fluorescent light to the junction box. Use a screwdriver to loosen these screws and just be aware that the light will drop slightly from the ceiling.
What does it mean when a ballast is dead?
If power is going into the ballast and none is flowing to the fluorescent light bulbs this is an indicator the ballast is dead – unfortunately much like the cool old guy named Blue in Old School (for all you Will Ferrell fans, Blue the character dies while, ahem, wrestling!!)
How do I wire a ballast?
This time around I recommend wiring the ground first, then neutral (white wire), and lastly the hot wire (black in color).
How to avoid glass shattering on floor?
To avoid having shattered glass all over the floor I highly recommend removing the fluorescent light bulbs. They’re attached to the ballast and you’ll have to detach the plug.
What color wires are used in ballasts?
Fish the new ballast’s black, white, and green wires through the hole in the light.
How to get fluorescent light to work?
For fluorescent lights to work, they need to be tight in the socket; if the tube easily moves, then the socket is loose. Remove the fluorescent light by gripping it at both ends and pulling downward. Set the light tube off to the side.
Why do businesses use fluorescent lights?
Fluorescent lights are often the choice of business offices due to their reliability. They're also found in older homes for the same reason. Fluorescent lights are filled with neon gas that, once electrical current is added, illuminates.
How to tell if a light tube is broken?
Once you reach the fixture, you will need to remove the plastic diffuser that covers the tube (if you have one). This may be as simple as pressing up on the plastic, but it may involve removing several screws or clips. Once the light tube is visible, you can conduct your first visual test. If the tube is black or dark gray, then the light is broken and needs to be replaced.
How to make sure electricity is off?
The first is to turn off the light at the switch as well as the breaker. Also, when poking around sockets or wires, use a voltage tester to make sure the electricity is off.
Do fluorescent lights work sporadically?
In time, fluorescent lights, their fixtures or other small parts will fail or work only sporadically. Read on to learn how to test and identify common causes associated with fluorescent lights that do not illuminate.
Why are there dark spots on my fluorescent light bulb?
Replace the tube if spots are present, as this condition indicates that the tube is close to failure or defective. The dark spots are created by the mercury emissions under high voltage during start ups. Advertisement.
How to fix a loose fluorescent light fixture?
Gently push the fluorescent tube in its socket. The tube must be tight in the socket for it work correctly. If the tube moves, the sockets might be loose. Turn off electricity at the main circuit breaker. Remove the fluorescent tube to access the sockets inside the light fixture. Turn on the voltage tester and point toward the sockets, one at a time, to make sure there is no current in the socket. Wiggle the sockets to test if they are loose. If they are, tighten the screws on the sockets using a Philips screwdriver.
How to replace a oxidized wire?
If they are damaged or oxidized, replace them. Use a screwdriver to loosen the screws holding the prongs in place. Inspect the contacts at the end of the wiring inside the socket after removing the prongs. Wipe off any green or white oxidized material on the wire contacts with a cotton swab dipped in cleaning alcohol. Bring the old prongs to the store so you will know which size to buy. Insert the new prongs in the socket and tighten with the original screws.
How to remove fluorescent tube when switch is dead?
The light diffuser is the plastic piece that covers the light fixture. To remove, press on the clips or detach the screws holding the diffuser. Once removed, look at the fluorescent tube for dark spots near either end of the bulb. Replace the tube if spots are present, as this condition indicates that the tube is close to failure or defective. The dark spots are created by the mercury emissions under high voltage during start ups.
Why are fluorescent lights used?
eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Fluorescent lights are commonly used because of their low operating cost. Like other lighting fixtures, fluorescent light fixtures sometimes work improperly. Aside from a burnt tube, other factors, such as a worn starter and loose or oxidized electrical contacts, ...
Is fluorescent starter universal?
The fluorescent starter size is not universal. Different makes of fluorescent light fixtures have their own dedicated starter sizes and voltages. Look for the model, size and voltage rating imprinted on the old starter to match the new one that you wish to buy.
