How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

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.

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.

How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

Are your fluorescent bulbs on the fritz? Many large corporate lighting panels or office lamps operate with a little help from an electrical ballast. This device regulates the distribution of energy across your lighting fixture, working with a load to limit the amount of current in an electrical circuit. Eventually, when you flip the lights on, your bulbs will overload and fry! Here are a few signs that your ballast might need replacing:. This is a great place to start your troubleshooting journey. Not all lights require a ballast to function, so make sure this is your problem. Many fluorescent bulbs, for example, have an internal ballast. However, larger light fixtures may operate with the help of an external ballast. Some older parking lot high-intensity discharge HID lights also use a ballast, though many modern fixtures use high-efficiency LEDs now instead. Typically, if just one CFL bulb is out, try replacing the tube. If you notice that any of these signs affect an entire section of lighting, it might be time to test your ballast:. If your bulbs are very slow to reach full brightness or strobe periodically, there may be a problem beyond the bulb.

If it's leaking oil, swollen, or burned, it'll need to be removed.

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.

Homely Items. This article is a helpful guide for you. I would explain how to tell if a fluorescent bulb or the ballast is bad. Although fluorescent lights are outdated yet still some people use them. I still have a few of them in my home. I have dealt with fluorescent issues in the past many years. Therefore, I have the necessary knowledge and experience. Before moving further, let us have a brief overview of what is a ballast and how it works.

How to tell if fluorescent bulb or ballast is bad

Unlike LEDs and incandescent bulbs, fluorescent lighting needs a ballast to ensure that the right amount of power is delivered to the bulb or tube. Enough voltage is delivered by the ballast to initiate the lighting process. As soon as the illumination starts, it reduces the electricity to create a steady light. Fluorescent bulbs would use the V current without a ballast, quickly burn out, and damage the product. Fluorescent lamps are made up of many parts. A phosphor coating on the inside of the tube converts these frequencies into regular visible light.

Dead space 1 cheats

Great Shopping Experience. Some wrap around the fixture or are held in place with slides or screws. However, this type of dimmer is "ballast-dependent", meaning that each brand of fluorescent dimmer will only work with certain ballasts from certain manufacturers. 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. The ballast delivers enough voltage to start the lighting process. Does your fixture have a starter? I added the first and last with tongue in cheek My apologies. Know if your light even requires a ballast. When a ballast starts failing, it will typically buzz or causes the bulbs to flicker. Industry Experts. Replacing a ballast

Welcome to my blog.

Once the cover is gone, you can remove the fluorescent bulbs from your light fixture. Checking and Fixing Starters. Electronic ballasts are silent out of the box and remain so Bright White vs. Curved tubes work in a similar fashion but have different mounting methods. Arrived on-time. Wonderful to work with. Not to mention potential safety concerns. Here are a few signs that your ballast might need replacing:. I'm sure many of you wonder where the name "ballast" came from. How to Work on a Ballast Safely When you need to switch out a bad ballast for a good one, you'll need to have access to the fixture. Know if your light even requires a ballast.