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. The end of each tube is connected to a socket that is attached to the fixture with screws or, in some cases, snap-in hardware.
- Remove the Old Ballast. The old ballast will be attached to the body of the fixture with screws or nuts. ...
- Replace the New Ballast. Attach the new ballast to the fixture using the same method and fasteners as the old one employed. ...
- Reassemble the fixture. Reinstall the sockets securely and then replace the cover plate. ...
Full Answer
How to troubleshoot and repair fluorescent lights?
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. Once you have removed... Step 2: Remove the Diffuser and Cover Plate. To access the parts of the fixture, you'll need to remove the diffuser,... ...
How do you replace a fluorescent lighting socket?
Replace a fluorescent lighting socket: Turn off power to the fixture. Remove the diffuser, tubes, and cover plate. Disconnect wires from the socket. Disconnect and remove the socket. Replace the socket with a duplicate unit. Replace the cover plate, tubes, and diffuser. Plug the light in or turn on the circuit to verify that the fixture is working.
How do you fix a light fixture that won't turn on?
Step 1: Shut off power to the fixture. Do this by turning off power at the main circuit breaker. 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 do fluorescent light fixtures burn out?
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 do you fix an old fluorescent light fixture?
0:543:29How to repair fluorescent light, replace ballast. Easy! Home Mender.YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo your mounting holes may not line up you can secure it to the fixture with a self-tapping screw goMoreSo your mounting holes may not line up you can secure it to the fixture with a self-tapping screw go ahead and secure your new ballast. With your existing nut.
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.
Can a fluorescent light 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.
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
How do you tell if the 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.
How do you fix a dead ballast?
2:077:23How to fix "ANY" fluorescent Light | Ballast Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can cut any wires that are holding the ballast in place. And once we've done this we can go aheadMoreWe can cut any wires that are holding the ballast in place. And once we've done this we can go ahead and remove the ballast. From the lighting fixture. Guys once you have the bottles removed.
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.
Are ballasts repairable?
While simply swapping burned out bulbs in an existing ballast is deemed “ballast repair” by many – and can offer advantages in longevity and energy savings – sometimes this simple “fix” is not enough.
What is the most common reason for fluorescent lamp failure?
Bulbs. Bulbs are the most common problem with a bad fluorescent fixture. Look at the end of the bulb for a dark area; if you see one, the bulb is either bad or going bad.
Do fluorescent fixtures go bad?
When your fluorescent light flickers or makes a loud and annoying hum, a degrading ballast is the cause. The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly.
What is the simplest problem that can be diagnosed in fluorescent lamp?
Single Pinned Lamps This problem arises when one of the fluorescent light lamp pins is missing in the socket or poorly connected to the socket. This is an easy fix and does not require calling a professional. You just need to remove the lamp from the socket and reinstall it.
How do you check a ballast?
To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Connect the black leads to the white ground wire on your ballast. Afterward, test every other wire with the red lead. When you do this test, a good ballast will return an “open-loop” or max resistance.
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.
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 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.
Where is the starter on a fluorescent light bulb?
Fluorescent starter. The starter is located on the lamp frame (there are typically two starters). 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.
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.
How does a fluorescent light fixture work?
A fluorescent lighting fixture converts electricity into light by making gas inside a phosphor-lined tube glow. The fluorescent fixture is either wired into the house electrical system or plugged into a nearby receptacle.
What can go wrong with fluorescent lights?
You may need to learn about fluorescent tube replacement, starter replacement, ballast replacement, or socket replacement.
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 does my fluorescent light keep flashing?
If the fluorescent light repeatedly flashes on and off , the tube or the starter may be defective. If the socket doesn’t firmly hold the tube, first make sure that the pins are straight. If the pins are not straight, the socket may need replacing.
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.
Step 1: Disclaimer
Electricity is dangerous, don't use the information in this instructable if don't know your way around it. Disconnect your home main switch before doing anything. I take no responsibility for any damage to person or property or death. Use this information at your own risk. Compact fluorescent lamps are dangerous.
Step 2: First Repair Attempt
I disassembled one of the fixtures and took it to my workshop. I looked at the parts, and it was very simple, just an electronic ballast and some wiring.
Step 3: Second Repair Attemp
I disassembled the electronic ballast, and saw several ill-looking capacitors and resistors, so I went to another electronic store and bought new ones and replaced the old ones with them. It didn't work, so I started googling for electronic ballast in order to learn how they work, in order to repair them.
Step 4: This Is the Good One
First I went for the 32 W tube electronic ballast, so I bought the most similar CFL I found (at the dollar store), wich was a 30 W. I took it to my workshop and disassembled it by sawing it and levering with a screwdriver.
Step 5: Get the Electronic Ballast From the 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
Step 6: Preparing the Electronic Ballast for the New Connections
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.
Step 7: First Connections
We are going to use the connectors from the old electronic ballast. Take the old electronic ballast. In one of its sides you will see four wires. These wires are equivalent to the ones in the ballast from the CFL. Now we have to pay a look at the PCB of the ballasts.
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!
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 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.
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.
Can you force a light fixture to be grounded?
Never force a lamp. No Ground Wire. Fluorescent lights require a ground wire from the electrical circuit to be attached to the metal frame of the light fixture, and the grounded metal reflector must be mounted within 1/2 inch of the lamps.
Step 1 – Use Prescribed Check Order
Step 2 – Check Electrical Power
Step 3 – Disconnect Power to The Ballasts
Step 4 – Check The Ballast
Step 5 - Replace Failed Ballasts
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.