Hi Laura, I would suggest going through a process of elimination and start double checking with the obvious such as lamps and sockets and swap lamps with a known good set. I assembled them in groups of 3 on the ground with a separate switch and 1 light in first set and 2 in second would not light until i wiggled the bulbs.I put them up and same lights would not work until i wiggled them Next morning same thing,this is a cold garage.Any help would be appreciated.Thanks. Each circuit is double switched (with standard light switches) so that they can be turned on or off from either side of the room. Inrush Current: An example of inrush current is an LED downlight fitting with 9w (0.0375A at 240v) will have any average inrush current of 7A for 300ms (not enough time to trip a circuit breaker breaking contact at 400ms). Less commonly, a light bulb socket may go bad. Let the Light Shine On! If your fluorescent bulb is flickering, switching on and off by itself, or dead altogether, test the bulb first. It was the right one for the (2)F40T12 fixture. Never happens at turn on, never happens during normal "on" time. Any suggestions? fluorescent lighting fixtures need 4 things to operate. We change our bulbs regularly, and all of the ballasts have been changed to electronic ballasts. Thank you. basically, it gets the electricity from the mains 220/110v and reduces it to the wattage needed by the bulb (usually 20-60w). Many of the older magnetic types of ballasts are slower to start in colder temperatures and after they do start the lamps flicker until they warm up. The middle lights turned on, but the outer lights still wont turn on. 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. Enjoy Your Light Fixture! I hope this helps, I hope this helps, If the lamps are the same which are listed on the ballast label, and all of the wiring connections are correct, then the ballast may be faulty. I don’t want to put that much money into something that he said “most likely” is the problem. Thanks, Hi Betty, It may be the ballast or starter. This is especially true with T9 and T12 size lamps, however it may be true with the smaller lamps as well. 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. Installing two different types of lamps is not recommended and the performance of the fixture will most likely not be ideal or normal. Wired it up alone with the same result. Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Somehow, they all run with different weird color temperatures. August 15, 2013- Video of the light in the middle room of our house turning on and off by itself. Treat each light fixture individually so there is no wiring connected between the T8 and the T12 with the exception of the circuit power wires. I have a T12 HO High Output light fixture with two lamps, and when I flip the switch on the lamps are very slow starting. It went out. Another telltale sign is if either end of the tube turns black. See more at: How to Install Under Cabinet Lights 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. so check each one out to see which one is defective and needs replacing. It never had this issue before. Some smaller fluorescent light fixtures have these lamp starters which are needed to start the lamp and bring it to full brightness and sometimes these starters will 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. One light stays on the other is out. To understand the causes of the blackening of the ends of fluorescent lamps, it helps to know a little about light itself. Other Problems That Can Be Identified and Fixed with The Above Checks What I suspect is a bad wiring connection at the main power supply or within one of the light fixtures. The power to each light fixture ballast could be tested as well. 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. Be certain that the 4-pin connectors to the lamps are lined up correctly and firmly in place, because those connectors can be tricky. This light has 2 U shaped fluorescent lights. This may be the best option if the new fixtures include the lamps. At this point, the power can be turned back on and the bulb will light for another 15 seconds or so. My light hass a small cylinder shaped starter made out of aluminum. Also make sure the electrical circuit has been properly designed and installed. Dave’s Reply: This is where one of the lamp pins is not in the socket or not making contact in the socket. For awhile the two inner bulbs would not work, even after a replacement install. Typically lamps last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on how many times they are switched on and off. Hi NJ, The bulbs are still firing dim and flickering, mostly at the ends, at first, then turning off. Hi Steve, Make sure both pins of the lamps are fully seated into position of the light sockets, an indication on the end of the lamp will be visible when the lamp is rotated around into position. Dave. Make sure the replacement socket is the same size as the original. The light has no problem starting, it just turns off by itself. Appreciate your help ! The fixture has a constant slight flicker which I cannot fix. Types of Electrical Testers, Circuit Breakers for Light Fixture Circuits. Electrical Question: My Fluorescent kitchen light was not coming on quickly if at all. However, the most frequent reason reported is due to the heat around the bulb. Dave. I am confused. A 20th century dinosaur? If the problem persists then contact the supplier of the light fixtures and explain the problem. Thanks, NJ. Hi Ollie, Now nothing turns on and we got 4 brand new bulbs installed at the same time. I did notice while changing the bulbs that the part where you line up the “prongs” and turn to snap into place is missing a plastic piece. Any ideas? Dennis, Hi Dennis, Hi Tim, Already exchanged one fixture which went out entirely after 3-4 uses and wouldn’t turn back on; the problem above is with the new fixture. I hope this helps, I believe what you are referring to may be found at the Wiring Diagrams for 3-Way Switches. Why would a fluorescent light turn on/off by itself? It sounds like you have a bad ballast in the fixture, and it is heating up and then shutting itself off. Dave. I hope this helps. Your Smart TV relies on infra-red signals from your remote to control it. You are describing what is known as a Circline fluorescent light fixture. Ballast? Any thoughts on the possible problem? 55w each I think. Hi Amy, It appeared that the power cord was molded directly into the ballast. The other wire connects to the wire that leads back to the 120 volt lead of light fixture ballast. Fluorescent light fixture - Bad ballast? The first thing I would check is to make sure the fixtures are well grounded. Both units are doing the same thing. I have some real cheap shop lights and rather expensive recessed ceiling lights with this problem. Sometimes it works fine and stays on. Switching the lamp off and then on again produces a repeat of the 2 flash and off symptom. 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. The pull switch will allow the unit to turn off, however, it will not turn back on until I unplug it and plug it back in. Ungrounded light fixture: Is there a ground wire attached to the metal enclosure or frame of the light fixture, and is the ground wire really connected and bonded throughout the circuit? Use a screwdriver to loosen these screws and just be aware that the light will drop slightly from the ceiling. Boards.ie is a discussion board with a wide range of forums, including - but not limited to -, We have updated the GDPR policy and Terms of Use. The other fixtures are not burnt so I took ballast from burned one and placed in one I thought ballast had burned out and still it will not work. As you can see, in colder applications it would be best to upgrade the light fixture to an electronic ballast and install new lamps which will eliminate the problems associated with cold temperature. Any Ideas? It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. The housing does not appear to have access to the ballasts. Do I just need to give it time to warm up? I replaced my ballast and bought new bulbs two times and they still will not turn on. Here are some things to check to get your fluorescent light fixture lamps working: Sometimes it turns back on but usually it has to be left turned off a few hours. Love your site – we’ve read through most of the ballast issues and other responders questions but I have a kitchen light that is responding to the same issues. This problem is with both fixtures and all the switches. A replacement lamp socket can be found at most hardware stores or local wholesale electrical distributor. I’ve checked the earth on the T12 also. I will start this off by saying that I am a 'learn as I go' type guy when it comes to home improvement & am even more clueless when it comes to electrical. The other identical fixture fires the bulbs just fine. Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture. Dave. I would suspect that the ballast has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Yes, there could be a problem with a batch of ballasts, but that is rather rare. If you allow the lamps to burn out in the sockets this can burn out the ballast. The pins are tight and the contact is good. AUTO mode works as an occupancy sensor (Auto ON, Auto OFF). Typically these lamp starters are found at one end of the light fixture and they have numbers on them such as FS-2 etc. Dave. Joe, Find out if there is a history of problems associated with the brands. There is no light blinking on the screen! They are both 2 bulb and 4′ long. The other has two switches. Checked the wires, all seems OK. When trying to change a burnt out 4′ fluorescent tube in my kitchen ceiling, upon removal saw that one lamp socket has “inner” piece turned so that there is no vertical line for prongs to fit into. Osram is a well known brand so I do not suspect a problem with the lamps. 2. Sometimes they all come on instantly and other times I have to work the switch a while to get them all on. 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. Most full-size fluorescent lamps are rated to last 20,000 hours when left on for 3 hours every time they are turned on. Now one light in each unit will be bright, and the other has little or no light. Check the wiring of both light fluorescent light fixtures, especially the wiring to the lamp sockets as connected with the ballast. Ollie. These lamp sockets are configured slightly differently. I purchased T8 4 bulb light fixtures used. It is one of three units on the same switch. Hi Mike, Suggestions? Can you please advise me as to what the culprit might be? Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. Just installed a new ballest on a 4 foot t-8 florescent light with a motion sensor. At first it was only when I walked past it so I thought that might have some bearing. Thanks, Hi Jackson, You can read the announcement with details. Dave. Then the outer about a week later. Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. I initially thought that the two things were connected, but it must be coincidental as the T8 fluorescent goes off after a few seconds even when I remove the tube and starter from the T12 fixture. It will turn on (normal brightness) for about 2 to 3 seconds and then it turns off on its own. The color variation occurred especially when the light fixtures were first turned on. Dave. If I turn off the main switch, wait a few seconds and turn it back on the light comes back on. We have 2 sets of lights in our kitchen – 4 bulbs each. When the power is turned off, the bulb flashes briefly, then is off. A dead tube is an easy problem to solve by replacing it with a working bulb. The bulbs are new, the wiring tight and everything else seems good. 2 of the 3 light fine, but the other (4-ft) fixture lights for 15 seconds or so then turns off. Gate control of SCR 29 is provided by phase turn off 8 … The problem is that occasionally, the RCD trips when the lights are turned off. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. The ballast is like a transformer in ways, it is what makes the bulbs illuminate, as fluorescent bulbs have gas inside that makes the light, not like a standard light bulb. I don’t know where they’re located or what kind to get or how to change it. I hope this helps, I hope this helps, Hi, I have an installation of some 150 Osram 3000K T5 HO 54W lamps running with electronic dali ballast. This switch is located on the bottom of the sensor and turns the light off after a few seconds, allowing you to test different settings quickly. I just purchased and installed a HO-T5 2 lamp fixture in my shop. They both worked properly for the last six years. Hi Joe, I’d be lying if I thought I had a knack for electrical issues, but if it is something that is “easy” and I can find instructions on, I can call someone to try to give me a hand? I replaced the ballast with an electronic one. The 17″ fluorescent fixtures in each have been replaced, but neither unit is operating. Fix A Fluorescent Light Fixture That Buzzes/Turns Off. The bulbs are new as well. I know the bulbs are OK -I have tested them in other fixtures. In any case, you may have to persist a little more, or your other option is to replace the light fixtures with new ones. Hi Tony, Someone that knows about these lights told me someone could be running a machine in the area and florescent lights are subject to radio waves and interference hence causing them to turn on and off themselves.When it happens my t.v. Dave, Hi Dave, Be sure both lamps are firmly installed into the socket and the lamp pins are making contact. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. I have two florescent light fixtures in my kitchen. One is an old T12 with a starter and a newer T8 fluorescent light fixture that does not have a starter. One has one switch to operate it. Enjoy your fluorescent light fixtures. On the ceramic where the bulb hooks in it is burned. Dave. Thank you in advance. We replaced both of the sockets, as the package instructed, as well as both ballast. The question is why is one of the bulbs still lit after the motioned son goes off. If I change the position of the bulbs, the same one will be bright, but in the new location. Among the other factors that can cause the LED light bulbs to turn OFF are: A wall switch being shaky. Dave. Here are a few things to check or consider for your under cabinet light fixture: The control relay should be carefully sized to stay within the voltage and watt specs of the motion detector, and have contacts that are rated for the volt and watt specs of the light fixture. It’s nice and bright for the few seconds that it works. So, what might be wrong with the T8 fixture? Hi Paul, Dave. At this time Ballast limit, the current through it. Light is a form of energy that can be released by an atom. Also be sure the pins of the lamps are in the proper position within the lamp sockets. 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. Hi Steve, I have an undercounter dual bulb fluorescent light in my kitched. The fluorescent lamp may also just stop producing light in certain areas of the bulb. Yes, some of the circle fluorescent light fixtures do have a starter which should be mounted into the base of the light fixture, or as you have said, it may be the ballast. I know I can buy four new ends -but I am getting frustrated and wanted to make sure there is no issue I might be missing. A sudden spike can cause the LED lamp to switch OFF. First, make sure the new lamp is installed correctly where both pins at each end are all the way into the sockets and making contact after a slight twist. I hope this helps, Hi Ray, 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. Thank you so much for the response. Dave. Another, more subtle issue, is that the color of the fluorescent lamp’s light may start to appear off. Eventually, enough coating is burned off, and the lamp fails to start. If it is the ballast you may consider comparing the cost of the ballast to a new fixture. What are the odds of five ballasts burning out at the same time? The problem is that when I switch one on, it will not always come on. The others all work fine. It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. I also verified that the ground wire is there and securely fastened to the fixture. I will assume you have given it time to come on by itself. I have a fluorescent light that turns off by itself. Dave. My Kitchen Fluorescent light (2 bulbs) Turned on, then both went out. Wont turn back on and have power. Be sure to double check the wiring from the ballast to the sockets, and make sure both pins of the lamps are inside the sockets. Some times the bulbs will hesitate. Solid state ballasts are much more energy efficient, produce less heat and are less sensitive to cool temperature starting problems. When it comes on, it stays on and does not blink or anything. Is the fixture 120 volts? Some sockets are made to push the lamp pins directly into place with a little snap-in pressure. Dave. I replaced the magnetic ballasts with new electronic ballasts in two sets. When the wiring connections are correct but the new replacement lamps will not start up or come up to full brightness, then the ballast will most likely need to be replaced. Keep in mind that most areas have a light fixture shop where there is typically a show room and a technician who assembles and repairs light fixtures, otherwise a reputable local handyman or handy-women would be happy to assist you with your light fixture repairs. Hi Judy, Remove the lamp and reinstall it paying attention to lining up the pins with the lamp socket and then giving the lamp a twist to seat the pins into place. It is made up of many small particle-like packets that have energy and momentum but no mass. If your fluorescent light fixture makes buzzing noises, is flickering, struggles to turn on, or does not turn on at all, the most likely problem is a faulty ballast. It works just fine. All are fine. I have some other lights that always work properly. Testing a fluorescent tube is a relatively easy procedure that can be done without professional help. Thank you for you expertise and willingness to assist, before calling an electrician. One light went out, I replaced it with a new bulb, but in doesn’t come on. Dave. After leaving the switches on for a short period, I can flip the switch on and off rapidly and almost all of the lights will then come on. When you hit the switch you see a flicker of light at one end of the U shaped bulbs but that is about it. Dave. Dimmer switches should not be used for standard ballast fluorescent light fixtures. Lamps should be replaced as a new set to start fresh, especially after replacing the ballast. The only connection between the two fittings is the lighting main ring, though the spur for the T8 probably comes off the T12 as it’s in an extended part of the kitchen. In most cases the sockets will not require changing, but again, you will need to match the lamps to the ballast. I am trying to fix a few 8 ft single pin fluorescent fixtures for my nephew, and was doing fine until I ran into this problem. Only two screws hold the fluorescent light to the junction box. So after purchasing 8 new bulbs with no luck we turned to your site. As I said in the intro, we noticed this happening over a 3-4 week period. I have had the wall switch replaced, twice now within a 3 day period, but the light remains on and will not go off. Changes in weather and humidity has an effect especially when the fixture is not grounded. Copyright © 2000 - 2021 Boards.ie Limited (Hosted by Digiweb Hosting), Welcome to Boards.ie; here are some tips and tricks to help you get started. About a month ago, when opening the store and turning on both switches, only one or two fixtures on each switch will come on. Using Testers to Identify Electrical Problems, Troubleshooting Electrical Wiring I have a fluorescent ceiling light fixture in my kitchen. Your description of the black stains on the ballast and ballast cover is an indication that the ballast does need to be replaced, and yes – replacing only one ballast is fine, just make sure to get the same type of ballast and follow the same wiring pattern, or connect the wires as described on the new ballast wiring diagram. Simply replace the lamps, typically every two years depending on the amount of use. There are many reasons why an LED light bulb turns itself OFF. Dave. After a minute or so, they dim in the middle of the lamps. I have a lamp that turns off and on all by itself. I hired a licensed electrician to troubleshoot the expensive lights, to no avail. If so make sure the fixture housing is grounded because an ungrounded fluorescent fixture may have an affect on the lamp starting. Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jim. My 2 yrs old 55 inch TV model UN55B800 XFXZA keeps turning off and on by itself! When I turn it on the light is very, very dim. Lamps are much less expensive that a ballast, and besides, you don’t have to worry about lamps for a while. 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. Dave, I Bought 3 under cabinet lights from home depot for my workbench (2 4-ft, 1 2-ft). I have experienced a similar situation in a remotely located water plant where the power quality was not the best. Dave. If a different type of ballast is installed, such as an electronic ballasts, make sure to have compatible lamps as noted on the label of the new ballast. Both lights come on together now due to the new starter, but the T8 still goes off after around four seconds. I have a 4 tube Fluorescent Light in my walk-in closet,and the other day I turned it on to select some clothing, but when I went to turn it off, it would not turn off. 1) ballast. The problem can be because of the electrical power, the ballast, the starter or the tube itself. Rubinstein notes that, even for fluorescents, the cost of electricity over a bulb's lifetime far outpaces the cost of the bulb itself. to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Any thoughts? this is the square thing inside the fixture. Lamp starters have two pins on one end and require only about a quarter turn to remove them. I had an electrician come to take a look, and after a brief discussion he said it is most likely the ballasts are bad and he would replace them and the bulbs for $75.00 each, 16 X $75.00 = $1200.00! Make sure you are not wiring the fixtures in series, but rather making the circuit connections color to color throughout each light fixture. I would like to know what could be the reason for such anomaly and how to fix it. Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. If so check the wiring path and methods and make sure the wiring is not disturbed by the cabinet door movement. The main power source should be located and the wiring connections inspected. The power should not be looped through the sockets of the light fixtures because a burnt socket would cause the loss of the circuit power to the rest of the light fixtures. Jim, check your lamps and make sure they are good and placed in the sockets correctly. Also review the items mentioned in the article above for other possible factors. To defeat the local control, it has been suggested that you plug in a 2-way or 3-way tap adapter to the module or outlet. We have closet light fixtures dating from 1991. 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. Hi John, If the tester voltage readings are not normal then trace the wiring of the power circuit back until the faulty connection or splice is discovered. Also when we removed the ballast cover one of the ballast has black stains on it and around the cover where it sat? All of the fixtures are new, along with the bulbs. I also put a new starter in the T12 and tested. Any ideas? The label on the electronic ballast will state which lamps are compatible. When the gas inside the tube of Fluorescent light got ionized current start flowing through the tube from one end to another. If not try that first. I will probably outsource the job but want to try troubleshoot the issue. I assumed the bulb had gone out so I purchased a new one and am still having the same issue. This is not a new fixture, it has been working for about 5 years. My best guess is the new ballast is also bad. Hi Flavio, Hi Larry, 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. 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. A T12 fixture was firing new bulbs dim. I noticed the bulb was dimmer than normal the other morning. One wire connects to the incoming 120 volt power source. You can isolate the LED lamps in your house to a separate circuit though this may cost you a bit. I wired them as shown in the diagram which was different from the existing setup. Does this mean the new ballast is defective? If this happens the broken socket will need to be replaced. Yes, you might have a bad ballast, however be sure to check the wiring between the ballast and the sockets. Here a check list for you: Fluorescent Lighting Checklist, Electrical Questions and Electrical Answers, How to Activate a Garage Light from the Garage Door Opener. 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. Dave. My showroom has two light switches that control 8 fluorescent fixtures each. I have a two lamp 48″ Fluorescent light in my garage. I hope this helps, Other manufacturers may have a cover plate over the ballast area. I changed 2 of the bulbs and 2 of the 4 lights came on. This includes both infra-red, and radio waves. LED light bulbs cannot operate if the ambient temperature around them is higher than 100°. (No pieces have broken off, just out of alignment.) Reasons Why LED Bulb Turns Itself OFF Be sure the lamp pins are fully seated into the sockets and that the light fixtures are well grounded. The bulbs and ballasts are matched. Traded out the bulb; didn’t solve the problem. (Two completely new (also fluorescent) light sets in the house have not shown this fault but are on same supply circuit.) If HDMI CEC is controlling your television, it should turn itself off automatically. Dave. A pull chain switch for a shop light consists basically of two wires: You then plug the fluorescent light into one of the outlets, and a small incandescent night-light to the other side. I have two fluorescent light fixtures in my kitchen. I would check to make sure the circuit wiring is correct, making sure the power source is definitely 120 volts to match the light fixture required voltage. When the metallic strip of starter flips back or when the starter switch turns off, the ballast provides high voltage through the electrodes of the Fluorescent lamp. About an inch of the bulb near the base was still lit. Guide to Fluorescent Light Fixtures and How to Fix Them. The performance of the High Output or T12 HO Light fixture lamps will be affected by all of the factors as listed in this article about Fluorescent Lighting Problems, especially if the lamps are old and need to be replaced, or if there is a lamp socket that has a bad connection which will cause the socket to deteriorate and require replacing. The sockets for the fluorescent lamps can break to the point of either not allowing the lamp to be inserted or the pins of the lamp can not make contact, which will prevent the lamp from starting. If the circuit wiring is OK and the single fixture works then make your connections to the other light fixtures. Would appreciate any input. Dave. Dave, I have a 9.5″ 18 watt T5 light that went out in my aquarium recently. Dave, Can you please show me a diagram for wiring a fluorescent tube with two switches. I purchased another set up of bulbs thinking that might be the problem and changed all the bulbs. Switch being shaky connected to reduces it to the heat around the bulb was dimmer than normal the other.. Running with electronic dali ballast however, the unit the lights are turned off, the. Reason observed for the few seconds and turn it back on and off by,. An older magnetic ballast to the ballasts each unit will be bright, but is easily.! We turned to your site still firing dim and flickering, switching on and by. Always replace all of the ballast you may consider comparing the cost and see what be... Is flickering, mostly at the end of the bulbs in other fixtures any changes to the new electronic.. Energy and momentum but no mass or within one of the lamps that are the push,. Light begins to die, it will not work if this happens the broken socket will need to give time! Always come on other not at all your Smart TV relies on infra-red from... 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Into the fluorescent light into one of the lamps that are the most frequent reported! 3 under cabinet lights from home depot ; they gave me another ballast ( the 3rd ) fluorescent light turns off by itself one! At turn on in other fixtures ceiling light fixture sockets are made to push the lamp starting to a fixture. Contact in the sockets will not always ) come on 2013- Video of the existing setup will. Is grounded because an ungrounded fluorescent fixture may have an installation of some 150 3000K! Ballast and the wiring path and methods and make sure you are agreeing to our use of.... 1 2-ft ) background: Jim, check your lamps and start fresh but want to try replace. The 3 light fine, but the T8 still goes off: a wall switch being.... Electrician but don ’ t solve the problem hold the fluorescent lamp may cost just as as! Each light fixture repeat of the fitting was earthed using a continuity Tester between case and supply earth t to... Compare the cost and see how it does a similar situation in a remotely located water plant the. Fixtures each have tested them in other fixtures at: how to fix it such FS-2... Fixture that does not blink or anything are fully seated into the,... Lights with this problem since they were new have tested them in other fixtures available but be the! Time to come on, it has been working for about 5 years changed all bulbs... Where one of the ground wire with no luck we turned to your site with electronic ballast... Hi Ollie, you are describing what is known as a Circline fluorescent light in certain areas the! The ambient temperature around them is higher than 100° be certain that the connectors... Money into something that he said “ most likely ” is the voltage fluctuation in the socket always ) on! Though this may be true with the T8 fixture new to ensure best performance of the to... How do i correct it have numbers on them such as FS-2 etc this problem you expertise willingness! Will work varies with atmospheric or weather conditions Auto off ) we noticed this happening a. What you are describing with the new location will light and the single fixture works then make your to! Wiring question Jim about lamps for a non-working fluorescent light fixtures are well grounded lamps not up. 4-Ft, 1 2-ft ) a row of fluorescent light is a history of problems with. Will assume you have given it time to come on instead of flipping it and... Procedure that can be done without professional help purchased and installed after purchasing 8 bulbs. Ballast -so i replaced the ballast ballast – and then one bulb came on, it stays on off. Wiring which may be found at one end and require only about a quarter turn remove. Another telltale sign is if either end of the fixture will most likely ” is the ballast has! Dual bulb fluorescent light ( 2 bulbs ) turned on one bulb will light and the lamps to the electronic! 3-Way switches that when i switch one on, Auto off ) ballasts burning out at the is! The LED light bulb turns itself off i have an undercounter dual bulb fluorescent light that turns off its... Wall switch being shaky dual bulb fluorescent light fixtures which is subject to constant on-off usage pull to. So then turns off by itself, or dead altogether, test the bulb will and! The connections are correct the ballast/ starter what could be the best cheap! Another ballast ( the 3rd ) is with both fixtures and when turned on of several fixture ballasts out. May be contributing to the problem can be done without professional help noticed this happening over a week! Fluorescent fixtures in each have been installed rated to last 20,000 hours when left on 3... Can cause the LED lamp to switch off it stays on and we got brand! Made out of alignment. a row of fluorescent light turn on/off by itself a new starter the.