On Sunday, 6 May 2018 00:12:13 UTC+1, Tom Del Rosso wrote:
J.B. Wood wrote:
On 5/3/2018 8:16 PM, Tom Del Rosso wrote:
The switch mechanism cracked in my magnifying lamp. No ballast. Just
a momentary and a latching switch combined, that feed the 4
terminals on the tube. The equivalents I find are around $20. Must
be a cheaper source. Physical shape doesn't matter much, since the
hole can be enlarged.

Thanks.



That's a special purpose switch that combines the function of a
glow-starter and on/off. Not a common hardware store stocked item.
I've an old 15" tube desk lamp like that and it has an inductor (coil)
ballast in the base. Are you certain yours doesn't have an inductor or
electronic ballast? I've never seen a fluorescent lamp fixture without
one. As for the bum switch - one alternative to a new switch would be
to wire in a glow switch, space permitting, and replace the defective
switch with just an on/off one. You might have to extract the glass
envelope glow switch from its plastic or metal can. You'd also have to
determine the current rating of the required glow switch. Sincerely,

There could be something in the base, but it's hard to open. It does
look like the power cord goes all the way to the top so I assumed there
was nothing in line.

Alternatively, can you add a starter that allows use of a plain switch?

yes if you can fit it in there somewhere.
Glowstarters are widely available, perform poorly but work. The glowswitch is far smaller than the plastic container.
A relay with brief time delay makes a much better starter.


NT