If a fluorescent tube blinks on and off-a slower and more distinct process than flickering-the fault may lie in loose wiring or in another component, called the ballast. The ballast is almost always to blame if the fixture hums during operation.22 сент. 1988

Why would a light turn off by itself?

If the flickering is confined to a single source, the lightbulb in that lamp or fixture may be defective. Poor connection in your main circuit panel. A more serious cause of your lights turning on and off repeatedly is a problem in the electrical connections in your home.

Why does my fluorescent light keep tripping?





Water – If a cable, connector, wire or plug is wet or has had any water damage and is plugged in for use then this can cause tripping to occur. So it is important to keep all electrical components and connections dry and away from water.

What could be the reason for fluorescent lamp flashes on and off repeatedly?

Flickering or blinking lights are usually caused by one of four things: Problem with the bulb (not in tight enough, wrong bulb type for dimmer switch) Loose light plug. Faulty light or fixture switch.

How do you know when a fluorescent light fixture is bad?

5 symptoms of a bad fluorescent ballast

  1. Flickering. …
  2. Buzzing. …
  3. Delayed start. …
  4. Low output. …
  5. Inconsistent lighting levels. …
  6. Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. …
  7. Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent. …
  8. Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to T8 linear LED.

Why do fluorescent lights not turn on sometimes?

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.
22 сент. 1988

How do you troubleshoot a fluorescent light ballast?





If you can’t find obvious signs of a bad ballast and you’ve already tried replacing the bulb, there are steps you can take to test whether your ballast is the issue.



Checking for a Bad Ballast

  1. Power off the fixture. …
  2. Remove fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. …
  3. Disconnect the ballast. …
  4. Remove the ballast. …
  5. Use a multimeter.


How do I know if my ballast is working?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Your other test lead to the wires. And see if your meter still reads open line it should read open line open line if you have an analog meter it should not move.

What are the common problems of fluorescent lamp?

Common Faults and Treatment Methods of Fluorescent Lamp

Type of Fault Reasons of Fault
Fluorescent lamp blinking ON and OFF Loose contacts. Wrong circuit connections. Low supply voltage Defective starter. Defective fluorescent tube.

How long do fluorescent ballasts last?



12 to 15 years

According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.

How do you know if a fluorescent tube is blown?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: The most likely cause of a blown tube is the filament is burnt. Off. So that's what we're going to test using a multimeter. We're going to turn on our meter and set it to the album setting.

How do you test a fluorescent tube starter?



A fluorescent starter can be tested by a multimeter very easily. For this, you need to turn the power off and then attach the multimeter at the one end of the starter. This will show the reading of the electric flow in the starter. If the flow shows normal, then you have a completely working starter.

How do you clean fluorescent contacts?

Use long-nose pliers to straighten a bent tube pin. Spray the socket contacts and the pins with electric contact cleaner. Clean a dirty tube with a damp cloth; let it dry before reinstalling it.
22 мар. 1997

Can you touch fluorescent tubes?

If you touch the bulb with your fingers, the salts and oils from your skin will damage the bulb and cause the heat to concentrate. This can significantly reduce the life of the bulb or even worse cause it to shatter.

Can you put fluorescent bulbs in backwards?

You can turn it either way but you want the LED’s to be facing out so it depends which orientation you install the tube. I usually remove the fixtures to require them and have them face up on my work bench.

Why do fluorescent tubes go black at the ends?



Though gray bands at the ends of tubes are normal, black bands indicate that the tube needs to be replaced. If only one end is dark, turn the bulb end-for-end. If the tube is new and these fixes don’t work, you may have to replace the starter or ballast.

How often should you change fluorescent tubes?

Typical lamp life for a fluorescent bulb is about 20,000 hours, but this can degrade as a consequence of frequent switching (turning on and off). Burning life is extended if lamps remain on continuously for long periods of time.

Is it the bulb or the ballast?

The ballast provides enough voltage to start the fluorescent bulbs, and once they are started, it quickly lowers the current to produce just enough electricity to produce a steady light source. Without the ballast, a fluorescent bulb would attach directly to 120-volt current and quickly burn out the bulb.