How to Troubleshoot and Repair Fluorescent Light Fixtures
- Step 1: Shut off power to the fixture. Do this by turning off power at the main circuit breaker. ...
- Step 2: Remove the Diffuser and Cover Plate ...
- Step 3: Disconnect the Sockets ...
- Step 4: Remove the Old Ballast ...
- Step 5: Replace the New Ballast ...
- Step 6: Reassemble the fixture. ...
Full Answer
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.
How do you replace a fluorescent light bulb?
Method 1 Method 1 of 3: Replacing the Bulb
- Make sure that the power is switched off. Before replacing a fluorescent light, you should make sure the fixture is not powered on.
- Prepare a stepladder or other support. Most likely, you will not be able to reach the fluorescent light fixture comfortably from ground level.
- Rotate the first tube 90 degrees. ...
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 is my fluorescent light not working?
A dead fluorescent can be caused by lack of electrical power (tripped breaker or blown fuse), a dead or dying ballast, a dead starter or a dead bulb(s). Check for power first... then the starter (if applicable) and then the bulbs. When all else fails, the ballast should be replaced.
How do you tell if it's the ballast or the bulb?
Take out your current bulbs and replace them with the new bulbs. If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit. You could also try using a multimeter set to measure resistance.
How do you fix a fluorescent light socket?
2:163:43ELS Light Socket Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAt the quick disconnect disconnect the two orange jumper. Wires. Hold the light socket away from theMoreAt the quick disconnect disconnect the two orange jumper. Wires. Hold the light socket away from the frame and unthread the socket and it's black power wires from the frame remove.
Can fluorescent ballast be repaired?
If you can change out a light switch or outlet you can definitely replace an old ballast that doesn't work. As I said in the beginning, you'll save yourself $75 to $90 doing this fix yourself. Years ago I paid our electrician to do a similar fix at a rental and this is how much the fee was.
How can you tell if a ballast is bad in a fluorescent light?
If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast: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.More items...•
How much does a new ballast cost?
A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably - for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.
Do all fluorescent lights have a ballast?
All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated. All HID bulbs require a ballast, which is sometimes integrated. No LED bulbs require a ballast, although some are engineered to work with an existing ballast.
How do you change a two pin fluorescent bulb?
1:2218:41HOW TO CHANGE ALL TYPE FLUORESCENT TUBES - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey just pull out installation is going to be the reverse of removal. So to install a new bulb. WeMoreThey just pull out installation is going to be the reverse of removal. So to install a new bulb. We would slip it in here and line up the prongs. With the slots and you kind of click it up in there.
Can a bad ballast cause a fire?
As with any electrical situation where overheating is possible, a bad ballast can pose a fire danger. The overheated ballast could cause the plastic housing on the light itself to melt and, in the right conditions, flame up.
Are ballasts easy to replace?
You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes. However, buying a ballast can be expensive, so consider pricing a brand-new fixture for comparison.
What are the common problems of fluorescent lamp?
Common Faults and Treatment Methods of Fluorescent LampType of FaultReasons of FaultFluorescent lamp blinking ON and OFFLoose contacts. Wrong circuit connections. Low supply voltage Defective starter. Defective fluorescent tube.9 more rows•Apr 5, 2022
Will LED bulbs work if ballast is bad?
Can LED lamps work off of existing ballasts? Yes, if they have an internal driver than can work off that ballast. Philips, for example, has designed a tube that is compatible with an existing electronic ballast.
How do I know if my HID ballast is working?
By connecting the multimeter to the ballast, you will see right away whether you have a working or a bad ballast. If the multimeter measures and detects current, voltage, etc. you will know that your ballast is perfectly fine.
How do you troubleshoot a ballast?
How to Check If the Ballast Is Bad in Fluorescent LightingTurn off the fluorescent fixture's circuit breaker inside the breaker panel. ... Remove the fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. ... Remove the ballast cover from the fixture, if the ballast is not already exposed. ... Set the multimeter to the ohm setting.More items...
Can a bad ballast cause a fire?
As with any electrical situation where overheating is possible, a bad ballast can pose a fire danger. The overheated ballast could cause the plastic housing on the light itself to melt and, in the right conditions, flame up.
How to troubleshoot a fluorescent light?
Troubleshooting a Fluorescent Light 1 Fixture does not light. Check for power and test to see if the bulb is seated properly in the sockets. Next, replace the tube or tubes. If the new tubes do not light, use a multimeter or voltage detector (at the switch and the sockets) to confirm that the fixture is getting power. If power is confirmed, try replacing the starter (see above), if your fixture has one. The last step is to try replacing the ballast. 2 Tube flickers: First, check to make sure the tube is securely seated in the sockets. Next, inspect the tube to make sure it is not burned out (indicated by darkening at the ends). If you have a multimeter tool, you can also check it for continuity. If replacing the tube does not correct the flickering, replace the starter. If flickering still persists, replace the ballast. As a last resort, replace the fixture. 3 Fixture hums or buzzes: Replace the ballast (see "How to Replace a Fluorescent Ballast," above).
How long does a fluorescent light last?
Most required a starter to finish the job of talking to the bulb. It is these magnetic ballasts that cause most humming sounds in a fixture, as well as the delay and flicker when a fluorescent light is turned on. They are relatively inexpensive to replace and should last 10 to 20 years, at least.
What is the cover plate on a fluorescent light?
Inside the fluorescent fixture, a cover plate protects a special transformer, called a ballast, which has preattached wires for hooking up to your electrical supply. The ballast passes 120‑volt household current to the fixture's sockets, to which the tubes are connected. The sockets transfer power to metal pins that extend into the tube.
What is a diffuser in a light fixture?
In most fixtures, a diffuser protects the fluorescent tube and softens the light. Fluorescent lights are normally hardwired in the ceiling, often in recessed fixtures called troffers.
What to do if new tube does not light?
If the new tubes do not light, use a multimeter or voltage detector (at the switch and the sockets) to confirm that the fixture is getting power. If power is confirmed, try replacing the starter (see above), if your fixture has one. The last step is to try replacing the ballast.
How to test if a diffuser is off?
Once you have removed the diffuser to gain access to the bulb sockets, test with a touchless voltage detector to confirm that power has been shut off.
Why is my light fixture not lighting?
Replacing Fluorescent Tubes. A burnt-out lamp is the most common reason any light fixture does not light. A fluorescent tube that is failed or failing usually has darkened areas near one or both ends of the tube. To replace, remove the old tube and bring it to the hardware store.
What Do I Need for Fluorescent Lighting Repair?
Most replacement parts for fluorescent lighting fixtures are available at larger hardware and lighting stores. The tools you’ll need to fix a fixture include these:
What Can Go Wrong with Fluorescent Lighting?
Any of the main components of a fluorescent lighting fixture can be the source of problems. You may need to learn about fluorescent tube replacement, starter replacement, ballast replacement, or socket replacement. Problems with fluorescent lighting systems are relatively easy to diagnose and solve.
How Does Fluorescent Lighting Work?
If the bulb is okay, but the unit still doesn’t work, check the electrical cord and replace the unit as needed.
Why does my fluorescent light bulb glow dimly?
If the light still does not work, try replacing the fluorescent lighting starter (see below), then the ballast (see below). If the lamp glows dimly, the cause is either a defective tube or starter.
What does a starter do when a fixture is turned on?
When the fixture is turned on, more electricity is needed than during normal operation, so a starter tells the ballast to boost the voltage. Once running, the starter turns off and the ballast maintains the voltage to a lower operating level.
What is ballast in fluorescent?
A ballast is the most expensive component in a fluorescent lighting fixture. If it requires replacement, check the price of a new fixture; it may be less expensive. Because the ballast is a wire transformer you may be able to recycle it as metal.
What happens if fluorescent light flickers?
If the light flickers, the tube may be burning out, or the starter or ballast may be defective. If the fluorescent light repeatedly flashes on and off, the tube or the starter may be defective.
Why is my fluorescent light not turning on?
When one or more fluorescent light fixtures are humming or flickering or if the light simply won't turn on , the problem may be something as simple as a bad fluorescent bulb.
Why is the starter on a fluorescent light no longer needed?
Because current is now flowing through the ionized gas inside the fluorescent lamp the starter is no longer needed.
What to call if your lights are flickering?
In Canada or the U.S. call 911. In Mexico call 066. [Click to enlarge any image] A fluorescent light fixture may be the only electrical device that is flickering, for any of several reasons we will explain below. Other causes of flickering lights are very dangerous.
What are the requirements for a fluorescent light?
Fluorescent lamps have two electrical requirements. Start-up voltage and operating voltage.
How is fluorescent light produced?
Fluorescent light is produced by passing an electric arc between tungsten cathodes in a neon tube filled with a very low pressure mercury vapor (about 0.3 atm) and an inert gas such as argon, neon, or krypton.
How does a lamp work when it is switched on?
When the circuit supplying the lamp is switched ON current passes first through the ballast, then across the filaments at one end of the lamp, following the path of least resistance through the starter switch and on through the filaments at the other end of the lamp.
What to do if your electrical panel is not working?
If you cannot safely access your electrical panel to turn off dangerous circuits or components, leave the building and call your local emergency services.
How to remove fluorescent light bulbs from a light fixture?
Gently and carefully remove each of the fluorescent bulbs by rotating 1/4 turn and pulling them straight down from the fixture. Place the bulbs down on a very flat surface. It is also a good idea to brace the lights against something to keep them from rolling off the work table.
How to tell if a fluorescent light bulb is bad?
To discern if the socket is actually to blame, turn on the light and listen for a loud hum and a clicking noise. Also, check to see if the light flickers. If this is the case, then the bulb is the problem, not the tombstone. Another sign that it's the bulb is if the casing is blackened or dark gray.
How many screws are needed to remove a fluorescent light?
Most fluorescent light fixtures will only have two screws holding the ballast cover in place. Remove these screws, and then carefully remove the cover. This gives you access to the tombstone which you can then easily remove.
Can you clean a socket with isopropyl?
If neither of these matches your circumstances, then you can try another easy solution before going ahead and buying new parts. Sometimes, the contacts of the socket may simply require cleaning. When you remove it, wipe it down and clean the contact points with the isopropyl.
Can you replace fluorescent bulbs?
Fluorescent bulbs are filled with gas which throws off the light once electricity ignites it, and these bulbs will eventually fail. However, these lights tend to last, as do the fixtures, but occasionally, a socket , or tombstone, may need to be replaced. Follow the steps below to meet success quickly and easily.
Why do fluorescent lights light up dimly?
Ground Wire. The fluorescent fixture enclosure must be grounded. If the ground wire has not been attached to the fixture housing this can cause the lamps to lighten up very dimly.
Can you work on energized circuits?
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
