When fluorescent tubes flicker or go out completely, several different factors can be the culprit. I just put in two new t8 8ft fixtures and when turned on they are bright. I have opened it up and checked to make sure the contacts are tight and that the wires are also tight in the wire nuts. Also make sure the wires are inserted fulling into the lamp sockets, and that the pins of the lamps are fully inside the sockets. This includes both infra-red, and radio waves. Examine the lamp sockets to see which type your fixture has. Less commonly, a light bulb socket may go bad. This could be on the switch itself, at the circuit breaker panel, or in a pass-through wire connection in the wall box or ceiling box. Never force a lamp. All are fine. Hi Mike, I had this happen on two fixtures – so I took the working ends from both fixtures and combined into one – and still the same result. At this point, the power can be turned back on and the bulb will light for another 15 seconds or so. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. It never had this issue before. Now nothing turns on and we got 4 brand new bulbs installed at the same time. Any suggestions? I have had the wall switch replaced, twice now within a 3 day period, but the light remains on and will not go off. Hi Joe, Another telltale sign is if either end of the tube turns black. When you replace a ballast always replace all of the lamps and start fresh. It then won't turn back on for about a minute with flicking the … For awhile the two inner bulbs would not work, even after a replacement install. The other wire connects to the wire that leads back to the 120 volt lead of light fixture ballast. Each circuit is powering ~20 hanging double-bulb fluorescent … I know the bulbs are OK -I have tested them in other fixtures. Whether my lights will work varies with atmospheric or weather conditions. Make sure the replacement socket is the same size as the original. Hi Larry, Application: Troubleshooting Problems with Fluorescent Light Fixtures. The most common reason observed for the LED light bulb turning OFF automatically is the voltage fluctuation in the circuit it is connected to. Dave. Make sure that the F96T12 lamps are compatible with the new electronic ballast that you have installed, and double check the wiring connections, especially from the ballast to the lamp sockets. Hi Kerrie, If so make sure the fixture housing is grounded because an ungrounded fluorescent fixture may have an affect on the lamp starting. Thanks, The bulbs are new as well. One clue that your ballast is the reason for a non-working fluorescent light is the light bulbs struggle to turn on. Hi Judy, Other manufacturers may have a cover plate over the ballast area. As with any fluorescent light fixture, if the Circline lamps are allowed to completely burn out while in the light sockets, then this may cause the ballast to go bad. It appeared that the power cord was molded directly into the ballast. Guide to Fluorescent Light Fixtures and How to Fix Them. Lamps should be replaced as a new set to start fresh, especially after replacing the ballast. Click here to find out more, Top 10 Questions and Answers for new Boards.ie users, Here are some useful resources to help you understand the coronavirus as well as what precautions you should take. The label on the electronic ballast will state which lamps are compatible. Ballast? 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. If your fluorescent bulb is flickering, switching on and off by itself, or dead altogether, test the bulb first. I would like to know what could be the reason for such anomaly and how to fix it. About an inch of the bulb near the base was still lit. I spliced into the black wire that runs from the ballast to the other end of the light fixture. Any Ideas? When turned on one bulb will light and the other bulb will flash 2 times and then both bulbs will turn off!!! 55w each I think. Hi Amy, Hi, I have an installation of some 150 Osram 3000K T5 HO 54W lamps running with electronic dali ballast. The trips are not isolated to an individual room switch. I converted from T12 to T8. It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. This is especially true with T9 and T12 size lamps, however it may be true with the smaller lamps as well. The bulbs are new, the wiring tight and everything else seems good. Hi Flavio, If I hold the light button as if to dim the lights, the LEDs will turn on, turn off, then turn on in a pulsing fashion (not fast like a flickering, but takes a second or two, but I can't pause in between to achieve dimming), repeating for as long as I hold the button. If the problem persists then contact the supplier of the light fixtures and explain the problem. We read up on the ballast and socket issues and one of the outer sockets is broken – it makes contact with the bulb but one of the little swinging arms on the inside that hold the bulb in place after twisting is missing? Dave. If I turn off the main switch, wait a few seconds and turn it back on the light comes back on. The problem is that occasionally, the RCD trips when the lights are turned off. I replaced the ballast with an electronic one. If it’s not the ballast/ starter what could it be and how do I correct it. After that I would check to make sure and controlling switch or switches are tested and functioning properly, and that the switches are compatible with the light fixtures. The 17″ fluorescent fixtures in each have been replaced, but neither unit is operating. They have exhibited this problem since they were new. These particles, called light photons, are the most basic units of light. Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture. When I switch them on the T8 fixture comes on, and then goes off when the T12 fixture comes on. Find out if there is a history of problems associated with the brands. Also review the items mentioned in the article above for other possible factors. Dave. It is one of three units on the same switch. Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. (Two completely new (also fluorescent) light sets in the house have not shown this fault but are on same supply circuit.) Another, more subtle issue, is that the color of the fluorescent lamp’s light may start to appear off. Typically lamps last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on how many times they are switched on and off. Also, make sure the four pins of the circle lamp are making good contact into the socket and the socket is rotated into the right position because some of those sockets can rotate 90 degrees and the lamp will not work. If the pull chain switch wiring is correct and the fluorescent lights do not work then check all of the wiring connections, and the circuit ground wire connection to the metal frame of the light fixture. How to Fix Fluorescent Lighting Problems: The Most Common Problems with Fluorescent Lighting and How to Fix Them, Troubleshooting Problems with Fluorescent Lighting Fixtures. I know it is possible that both ballast are bad – but wondered if there were any suggestions. Ollie. This is not a new fixture, it has been working for about 5 years. Yes, a broken lamp socket will contribute to the problem of lamps not starting up. Nothing happened. All of the fixtures are new, along with the bulbs. Enjoy your fluorescent light fixtures. My Kitchen Fluorescent light (2 bulbs) Turned on, then both went out. Hi Tony, In some cases a ground wire may be present but has not been connected to the ground wire of the circuit or bonded to the grounded system of the home. If the power is a problem then a voltage conditioner may be helpful otherwise you may want to do some research on the brand of ballast and see if there are similar reports. From what you are describing about the light fixture it sounds like there is a problem with one or more light sockets, so the sockets may need to be replaced. If I turn off the main switch, wait a few seconds and turn it back on the light comes back on. I hope this helps, There are several steps involved that will allow you to determine the … Also when we removed the ballast cover one of the ballast has black stains on it and around the cover where it sat? It stayed on for 3 hours then again they flickered and now none work. In most cases the sockets will not require changing, but again, you will need to match the lamps to the ballast. 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