How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

Unlike incandescent and LED lights, fluorescent lighting requires a ballast that sends the correct amount of power into the bulb or tube. The ballast delivers enough voltage to start the lighting process.

JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. If you are experiencing any of the following problems with your fluorescent tubes then this page will tell you how to fix them, including information on what has likely caused the problem and how to check your starters and ballasts:. Fluorescent tubes have long since been a practical lighting solution for offices, garages, warehouses, kitchens, and more. However, there a multiple issues that can go wrong with these lights, their starters, and their ballasts control gear over time.

How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

Return to Electrical Article List. On the home repair scale of 1 to 10 10 being hardest , repairing a fluorescent fixture is a 3 or I added the first and last with tongue in cheek I know most of you are not color-blind and most of you can read Here are some common fluorescent freak-outs and some suggested solutions! Note that I will be primarily referring to fixtures using straight fluorescent tubes in this discussion. Curved tubes work in a similar fashion but have different mounting methods. I use the term "bulb" and "tube" somewhat haphazardly and inconsistently. My apologies. Both are correct, though "tube" is the more correct term and probably a little less confusing. Fluorescent bulbs designed to replace incandescent bulbs in standard fixtures, such as in recessed lights or table lamps, have all the same features of a fluorescent fixture. Alas, they cannot be repaired Finally, let the buyer beware!!

If the ballast doesn't cause the needle to move, you know it needs to be replaced. Checking and Fixing Ballasts. First and foremost

Just about everyone knows the familiar glow of fluorescent tube lights. As commonly as fluorescent lighting is used in those types of utility spaces, perhaps just as common are the problems that can come with fluorescent lighting in terms of reliability and efficiency. This is especially true for older lighting installations and is something that you should definitely be aware of if your home is more than a couple of decades old In particular, the magnetic ballast is a key component of older fluorescent lighting systems and is one common point of failure that can prevent you from having the light you need when you hit the switch or pull the cord. The magnetic ballast for a fluorescent lighting system, which is sometimes called the control gear, is a small part of the lighting unit or box. It ensures that the amount of electricity going to the bulbs is both enough to turn on the tubes and keep them running at a safe and efficient voltage. Since most fluorescent bulbs produce light by heating mercury gas, the ballast keeps the amount of electricity going to the bulbs in check so that the mercury gas stays at a safe and stable temperature. If the ballast wears out and fails to regulate the flow of electricity, the mercury gas inside each bulb could overheat and burn or even start a fire.

If you are looking for energy-efficient lighting, Then Fluorescent lamps are a good option. They have long lifespans in homes, offices, and elsewhere due to their efficiency and well-diffused light. But problems like buzzing sounds or erratic flickers can appear when a fluorescent bulb needs to be changed. How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad? Why does my fluorescent light take a long time to turn on? I think I can help you find and fix the problem so you can enjoy a well-lit space again. You can identify the issue and fix it to enjoy a well-lit space again. It is common to find fluorescent lamps and bulbs in commercial spaces like offices and stores. These bulbs use an electric current to excite gases, creating a bright white light. They require a socket and ballast to work.

How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

Unlike incandescent and LED lights, fluorescent lighting requires a ballast that sends the correct amount of power into the bulb or tube. The ballast delivers enough voltage to start the lighting process. Once the illumination begins, it backs off the electricity to produce a steady light. Without a ballast, fluorescent bulbs would use the V current and quickly burn out and ruin the product. If it goes bad, you'll see or hear symptoms that tell you it's time for a potential replacement. When a ballast starts failing, it will typically buzz or causes the bulbs to flicker. These issues can sometimes happen while it is operating as expected, so it's important to check the equipment before assuming a replacement is necessary.

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LED fixtures are the most efficient systems currently available and some even offer smart-home features such as color tuning, dimming and scheduling. The ballast will usually have a cover on it so remove the ballast cover using a screwdriver and check the ballast, which is usually a rectangular shaped grey or black box, to see if it's leaking oil or if it looks burnt. Remove the tube from the fixture, as the ballast is usually found behind the bulb or between the bulbs in a fitting with more than one tube. Heat and moisture are enemies 1 and 2 to your ballast. Water damage Is there moisture inside of your panel or the ballast? Metal Halide lamps. One look at the spaghetti-like wiring could make anyone lose their appetite! The most common warning signs are; The fluorescent tube won't turn on and is or isn't buzzing The tube takes a long time to warm up and come on The middle of the tube won't light but the ends are lit The tube constantly flickers on or off We are going to tell you what has caused the problem and how to check your starters and ballasts. Explore Our Range of Starters. If you're in need of a replacement, browse our range of Fluourescent Tubes to find what suits you. An Energy Saver?? If you attempt to use them, the fluorescent fixture may work but only in the full-on position, if at all. Then I confront the ceiling repair issue.

A lot of times folks are not able to identify if the fluorescent bulb is faulty or the ballast and look for ways to detect that.

The ballast delivers enough voltage to start the lighting process. What a magnetic light ballast does The magnetic ballast for a fluorescent lighting system, which is sometimes called the control gear, is a small part of the lighting unit or box. Jack B. As noted earlier, the combination of electricity and mercury gas involved in fluorescent lighting fixtures warrants the work of an experienced pro. It just makes more sense to change both tubes at once. Determining Why Your Ballast Failed The environment surrounding the fixture is often the primary reason ballasts fail prematurely. As they age, magnetic ballasts tend to get louder and louder Excessive heat combined with prolonged condensation inside an electronic ballast can cause corrosion. Here are a few signs that your ballast might need replacing: 1. Remove the tube from the fixture, as the ballast is usually found behind the bulb or between the bulbs in a fitting with more than one tube.