How to Troubleshoot and Repair Fluorescent Light Fixtures
- Shut off power to the fixture. Do this by turning off power at the main circuit breaker. ...
- Remove the Diffuser and Cover Plate. To access the parts of the fixture, you'll need to remove the diffuser, usually done by pressing lightly on the sides of ...
- Disconnect the Sockets. ...
- Remove the Old Ballast. ...
- Replace the New Ballast. ...
- 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 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.
How to replace a tombstone in a light fixture?
Things You Will Need
- Disconnect the power supply to the fluorescent light fixture. ...
- Remove the light fixture cover from the fixture. ...
- Grab each end of the fluorescent tube with your fingertips. ...
- Remove the screws that secure the light fixture end caps to the fixture with a Phillips head screwdriver. ...
- There are four wires that attach to the tombstone socket. ...
How do you change a fluorescent light bulb?
[2022]
- Turn the power off. This is important because it will prevent electrical shock. ...
- Remove the bulb socket. The socket is attached to the light above the fluorescent tube itself. ...
- Pull out old bulb. Once you’ve removed the socket, pull out the old bulb and discard properly. ...
- Put new bulb into socket. ...
- Replace socket. ...
- Turn power back on. ...
Can fluorescent light fixtures be repaired?
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... they must be replaced if they become defective.
How do you fix a fluorescent light fixture?
Troubleshooting a Fluorescent LightFixture does not light.Tube flickers: First, check to make sure the tube is securely seated in the sockets.Fixture hums or buzzes: Replace the ballast (see "How to Replace a Fluorescent Ballast," above).
What causes fluorescent lights to not come on?
If a fluorescent tube neither lights nor flickers when switched on, first check to see that the fixture is plugged in and that no fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. If this does not help, try wiggling the tube gently in its sockets by rocking it back and forth and from side to side.
How do you replace a ballast in a fluorescent light?
2:333:32How to Fix a Fluorescent Light with a Bad Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd cut those off now. There's just one Phillips screw here and then this side just slides in so weMoreAnd cut those off now. There's just one Phillips screw here and then this side just slides in so we will just thread that out real quick all these wares are color coded already and the ends of the
How can you tell if a fluorescent light ballast is bad?
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 do you check if a ballast is good or bad?
If the ballast is good, an analog multimeter has a needle that will sweep to the right across the measuring scale. If the ballast is bad, then the needle won't move. If you're using a digital multimeter, often the digital readout will possibly list a “1” when it doesn't find a measurable resistance.
How much does it cost to replace a ballast?
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.
What are the two common possible causes of all common faults in fluorescent lamp fixtures?
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
What happens when a ballast goes bad?
The ballast itself can go bad, which causes lights to flicker or even appear to be burnt out, when in fact they aren't. They require maintenance and energy to power, on top of the power used to light the fluorescent bulb. They are a large part of the equation when using fluorescent lamps.
Can a fluorescent light work without a ballast?
No incandescent bulbs require a ballast. No halogen bulbs require a ballast. All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated.
How do I know if my ballast is t8 or t12?
0:082:11UNDERSTANDING fluorescent lights t5 t8 t12 electronic magnetic ballastYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 isMoreLike a generation 3 if you compare them side-by-side the t5 is smaller. Here's a t8 and the t12 is the older version of the t8. You can take a t8. And put it into a t12 fixture the t12 is the oldest.
How do you change a ballast without turning off power?
Remove the wire nut from one of the power wires and carefully strip about 1/2 inch of insulation from the end, making sure not to touch the end. Hold the ballast wire next to this wire with the stripped ends parallel but not touching. Quickly slip on the wire nut and screw onto the ends.
Where is the ballast on a fluorescent light fixture?
Remove the Cover Plate Locate the wiring cover plate, usually in the center of the fixture. On either side of the cover, there will be tabs that catch in slots in the fixture. Squeeze the sides of the cover inward to slip the tabs out of the slots, and pull the cover down. This will expose the ballast and its wiring.
Can a fluorescent light work without a ballast?
No incandescent bulbs require a ballast. No halogen bulbs require a ballast. All fluorescent bulbs require a ballast. All compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs require a ballast, which is often integrated.
How to fix a flickering fluorescent light?
To solve your flickering fluorescent light problems, insert the new starter and twist it into place.
How does a starter work on a fluorescent light bulb?
When you turn on the light switch, the starter sends a jolt of electricity to the gas inside the fluorescent bulb. The ionized gas then conducts electricity and the bulb lights. When the starter stops working, the bulbs will either keep flickering without lighting or will only glow in the ends. (Flickering can also indicate the bulb needs replacing, but try the less expensive starter first.)Note: Most ballasts manufactured within the last 10 years or so don’t need starters. Newer technology in electronic ballasts allows the lamps to light without them.
Where is the starter located on a lamp?
The starter is located on the lamp frame (there are typically two starters). Turn off the power to the light fixture, then take out the old starter by pushing it in and turning it counterclockwise. Take the old starter to the store so you can get the right replacement— there are a number of different types. Step 2.
Do fluorescent lights need a starter?
Older fluorescent light fixtures that flicker or only light up part way may just need a new starter, which is a less expensive repair than a bulb.
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.
What causes fluorescent light fixtures to stop working?
Basically, there are only 4 likely things that will cause one of these fixtures to stop working: power failure, bulb failure, ballast failure, or tombstone failure. Starters, used in older fixtures, can also cause problems, but newer fixtures do not use these components.
How to tell if fluorescent bulb is failing?
One sign of a failed fluorescent bulb is a black end on the bulb. Even if the bulb with the black end is lighted, you should replace it to keep it from overworking the ballast. If all bulbs are unlighted and none have black ends, check the power switch o be sure it is on.
How to expose ballast?
Expose the ballast by removing the fixture's center cover. Typically, each ballast services two bulbs, with 1 ballast serving the 2 middle bulbs and the other ballast serving the two outside bulbs. A possible exception is an electronic ballast that serves all 4 bulbs.
What happens if one bulb is working but the other is not?
If one pair works, but the other pair does not work, more than likely the non-working pair will need to be replaced.
Can you disconnect a ballast before working on a fixture?
Ballast secondary output voltage can be dangerously high, so disconnect the ballast's white and black wires before you begin working on one these fixtures. This will remove primary voltage from the ballast. But use caution in doing this.
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.
How many pins are there in a fluorescent tube?
The four wires that went to the fluorescent tube are rolled around four pins in the PCB. Desolder and withdraw the pins. Strip the endings of the other two wires.
How many wires are needed to connect an electronic ballast to a CFL?
The electronic ballast is connected to the CFL by 6 wires, 4 to the tube and 2 to the base. Cut them all, but leave the base ones as long as possible since we will use them later
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.
Step 1 – Use Prescribed Check Order
Step 2 – Check Electrical Power
- If you have more than 1 bulb in your fixture, and if at least one of the bulbs is lighted, you can be sure the fixture is supplied with power. There is no need to check for power, in this case. One sign of a failed fluorescent bulb is a black end on the bulb. Even if the bulb with the black end is lighted, you should replace it to keep it from over...
Step 3 – Disconnect Power to The Ballasts
- Ballast secondary output voltage can be dangerously high, so disconnect the ballast's white and black wires before you begin working on one these fixtures. This will remove primary voltage from the ballast. But use caution in doing this.
Step 4 – Check The Ballast
- Expose the ballast by removing the fixture's center cover. Typically, each ballast services two bulbs, with 1 ballast serving the 2 middle bulbs and the other ballast serving the two outside bulbs. A possible exception is an electronic ballast that serves all 4 bulbs. If either pair of bulbs, the inside or the outside pair, is working, you can figure that the ballast that serves them is still i…
Step 5 - Replace Failed Ballasts
- To replace the defective ballast(s), loosen or remove the nuts holding the ballast in place, then replace it with a new ballast. In reattaching it, match wire colors correctly, using wire nuts. Then replace the ballast cover, plug in the new bulbs, and test the light fixture.
Step 6 - Replace Tombstones
- If all the above steps fail to repair your fixture, chances are good that the problem is in the tombstone sockets holding the bulbs. Remove the defective socket by pulling out the metal insert holding it in place, then pull the socket wires out of the slot into which they are inserted.