dgk wrote:
On Fri, 13 Nov 2009 09:33:43 -0800, "Jon Danniken"
wrote:


dgk wrote:

A fixture in my basement has a single 48" florescent tube which
recently started flickering and now fails to start - it just flickers.
I replaced it and have the same behavior. The fixture is at least 15
years old and might be much older.

I don't see anything that looks like a starter. I've searched around
and see that the ballast may be the problem, but I don't see what
looks like a ballast. It may very well be under a metal cover that
runs most of the way under the bulb. Well, above the bulb actually.

According to this site, the problem might be trying to use a
rapid-start lamp in a pre-heat fixtu

http://nemesis.lonestar.org/referenc...t/trouble.html

Because the fixture is in an infrequently used small storage room
(formerly a sewing room) I bought the cheapest tube they had - but I
don't see anything on it about rapid-start.

I guess I can try a more expensive bulb, and if that doesn't work,
unscrew the metal cover and see if I can find a ballast. It could also
be the wallswitch, but that seems the least likely culpret to me.

Any advice appreciated.

It could be cold in your basement; cold temperatures cause unstable
performance in fluorescent fixtures.

It could be corrosion on the wires; they are often just connected with "push
in" holders, and corrosion can cause problems.

If it is an electronic "ballast", usually it is the capacitors that go bad.

If it is an iron ballast, the starter (on modern units) is integral to the
ballast.

Jon



I read that about cold temperatures but it just isn't that cold. I'm
sure it isn't below 65.

Ok, having read a number of messages, the thing to do is unscrew that
strip and see what's behind it. I recall starters are those
cylindrical silver things so I doubt it has one, but until I look
behind I just won't know. If it has a starter, I stick an insulated
needle nose pliers in, after checking to make sure my insurance is
paid up.

Then, if the starter isn't the problem, I replace the ballast, or
maybe the whole fixture. I think Tony suggested the fixture, and it's
likely what I'll do. Ballasts at Home Despot are $15 - 30, most likely
the $15 one. Single fixture 48" is $19.


But those $19 fixtures are usually pure crap and fail rather quickly. If
the present fixture and its sockets are in good shape I'd go for
replacing just the ballast.

Jeff


-
Jeffry Wisnia
(W1BSV + Brass Rat '57 EE)
The speed of light is 1.8*10e12 furlongs per fortnight.