The problem can be because of the electrical power, the ballast, the starter or the tube itself. A good way to check that your ballast is the culprit is to turn on a voltage detector and hold it next to the wires supplying power to the ballast. It may in fact be a bad ballast especially if the original set of lamps have recently burnt out. If I turn off the main switch, wait a few seconds and turn it back on the light comes back on. At this point, the power can be turned back on and the bulb will light for another 15 seconds or so. Shine On! I also put a new starter in the T12 and tested. The moment of forced commutation 56 can be varied thus controlling the amount of energy channeled into the load components 14, 15 and 16 which make up load 55 and also controlling the resulting fluorescent light level. Because the “inside” of the lamp socket is twisted, does that mean it is broken and unrepairable, or can I coax the piece back into position? Thanks for any help! These lamp sockets are configured slightly differently. I know the bulbs are OK -I have tested them in other fixtures. Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. If so check the wiring path and methods and make sure the wiring is not disturbed by the cabinet door movement. Dave. When turned on one bulb will light and the other bulb will flash 2 times and then both bulbs will turn off!!! The Lamps are starting to go bad: If the lamps are dark at the end then they need to be replaced, and it is best to replace the lamps in pairs. I hope this helps, Electrical Question: My Fluorescent kitchen light was not coming on quickly if at all. When it comes on, it stays on and does not blink or anything. There are many reasons why an LED light bulb turns itself OFF. This is especially true with T9 and T12 size lamps, however it may be true with the smaller lamps as well. We read up on the ballast and socket issues and one of the outer sockets is broken – it makes contact with the bulb but one of the little swinging arms on the inside that hold the bulb in place after twisting is missing? It’s nice and bright for the few seconds that it works. Examine the lamp sockets to see which type your fixture has. 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. Fix A Fluorescent Light Fixture That Buzzes/Turns Off. At first it was only when I walked past it so I thought that might have some bearing. I believe what you are referring to may be found at the Wiring Diagrams for 3-Way Switches. 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. The most common reason observed for the LED light bulb turning OFF automatically is the voltage fluctuation in the circuit it is connected to. Be certain that the 4-pin connectors to the lamps are lined up correctly and firmly in place, because those connectors can be tricky. Hi Ray, On the ceramic where the bulb hooks in it is burned. Sometimes it works fine and stays on. 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. A fluorescent light fixture that has a bad ballast will cause different types of issues which troubleshooting will indicate the ballast needs to be replaced. Dave. How can I make the switch function properly? General rule of thumb is every time you turn a light on and off it will shorten its life span, but this also applies to leaving lights on 24/7. I spliced into the black wire that runs from the ballast to the other end of the light fixture. Dave, I Bought 3 under cabinet lights from home depot for my workbench (2 4-ft, 1 2-ft). I replaced the bulb. Factors that may be the cause of slow starting florescent lamps: I have a fluorescent light that turns off by itself. Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and Safe Ladder. The middle lights turned on, but the outer lights still wont turn on. See more at: How to Install Under Cabinet Lights If the circuit wiring is OK and the single fixture works then make your connections to the other light fixtures. Hi Kerrie, In any case, you may have to persist a little more, or your other option is to replace the light fixtures with new ones. Dave, Hi Dave, Hi Joe, 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. 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. Simply replace the lamps, typically every two years depending on the amount of use. Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate. I have a fluorescent light that turns off by itself. Sometimes it works fine and stays on. From what you are describing about the light fixture it sounds like there is a problem with one or more light sockets, so the sockets may need to be replaced. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. The ends are the push type, where you push in one end and then the other end is fixed. 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. Buying a replacement ballast and the lamp may cost just as much as a new light fixture, compare the cost and see. So after purchasing 8 new bulbs with no luck we turned to your site. Dave. However, the most frequent reason reported is due to the heat around the bulb. Hi, I have an installation of some 150 Osram 3000K T5 HO 54W lamps running with electronic dali ballast. The other has two switches. Thank you. 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. 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. Lamps are much less expensive that a ballast, and besides, you don’t have to worry about lamps for a while. Hi Steve, 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. Checked the wires, all seems OK. Yes, a broken lamp socket will contribute to the problem of lamps not starting up. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. 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. It sounds like you have a bad ballast in the fixture, and it is heating up and then shutting itself off. I am an industrial electrician but don’t know too much about residential set-ups. If the fixture had an older magnetic ballast then you may consider upgrading the fixture ballast to a solid state ballast. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I hope this helps, 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. Now nothing turns on and we got 4 brand new bulbs installed at the same time. Make sure there is a ground wire that is bonded to the shell or enclosure of the light fixture. Switching the lamp off and then on again produces a repeat of the 2 flash and off symptom. It works just fine. I purchased T8 4 bulb light fixtures used. Hi Duane, Other manufacturers may have a cover plate over the ballast area. Dave. I switched the bulbs and the light comes on the one side but not the other. Dave. 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. Dave. Any Ideas? It then won't turn back on for about a minute with flicking the … Solid state ballasts are much more energy efficient, produce less heat and are less sensitive to cool temperature starting problems. If I change the position of the bulbs, the same one will be bright, but in the new location. It is made up of many small particle-like packets that have energy and momentum but no mass. 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. I would like to know what could be the reason for such anomaly and how to fix it. Somehow, they all run with different weird color temperatures. I purchased another set up of bulbs thinking that might be the problem and changed all the bulbs. When I put the bulb back on the other side, it went completely out again. When I turn it on the light is very, very dim. 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. I have an undercounter dual bulb fluorescent light in my kitched. I replaced the magnetic ballasts with new electronic ballasts in two sets. One clue that your ballast is the reason for a non-working fluorescent light is the light bulbs struggle to turn on. Hi John, Hi Tony, Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. The problem is that occasionally, the RCD trips when the lights are turned off. I have a two lamp 48″ Fluorescent light in my garage. 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. Only two screws hold the fluorescent light to the junction box. Indicated by dark circles at the end of the lamps. It appeared that the power cord was molded directly into the ballast. Light is a form of energy that can be released by an atom. Thank you Dave, Thank you so much for the response. 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. 2. Ollie. 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. The bulbs are new as well. Here are some things to check to get your fluorescent light fixture lamps working: Installing two different types of lamps is not recommended and the performance of the fixture will most likely not be ideal or normal. 55w each I think. Make sure that the lamps that are being installed into the fluorescent light fixture are compatible with the ballast. If the power is a problem then a voltage conditioner may be helpful otherwise you may want to do some research on the brand of ballast and see if there are similar reports. Fully Explained Photos and Wiring Diagrams for Kitchen Electrical Wiring with Code Requirements for most new or remodel projects. The other identical fixture fires the bulbs just fine. Can you please advise me as to what the culprit might be? I have an undercounter dual bulb fluorescent light in my kitched. 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. Dave. Typically these lamp starters are found at one end of the light fixture and they have numbers on them such as FS-2 etc. The power to each light fixture ballast could be tested as well. Another telltale sign is if either end of the tube turns black. Some sockets are made to push the lamp pins directly into place with a little snap-in pressure. By far the most common problem is a loose wire connection at the switch itself, which is subject to constant on-off usage. After a minute or so, they dim in the middle of the lamps. Wired it up alone with the same result. Osram is a well known brand so I do not suspect a problem with the lamps. Is it OK to replace only one ballast? Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. I hope this helps, Hi Flavio, The problem is that when I switch one on, it will not always come on. I figured this meant a ballast -so I replaced the ballast with another one, and still the same. I’ve checked the earth on the T12 also. They are both 2 bulb and 4′ long. The fixture has a constant slight flicker which I cannot fix. The housing has continuity with the ground wire with no readable resistance. I don’t know where you are located, however the estimate you were given which includes parts and labor is really not that bad, especially if the parts have a warranty. Dave. When you hit the switch you see a flicker of light at one end of the U shaped bulbs but that is about it. My basic question is – GENERALLY – if one works and the other doesn’t – is it usually a ballast or an end problem? One light stays on the other is out. Typically lamps last anywhere from 2 to 4 years, depending on how many times they are switched on and off. If it is the ballast you may consider comparing the cost of the ballast to a new fixture. 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. It is very frustrating! Dave. This is where one of the lamp pins is not in the socket or not making contact in the socket. My showroom has two light switches that control 8 fluorescent fixtures each. Make sure you are not wiring the fixtures in series, but rather making the circuit connections color to color throughout each light fixture. Next I would only connect to one light fixture all by itself and see how it does. Hi Paul, Guide to Fluorescent Light Fixtures and How to Fix Them. 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? If so, you will need to replace the socket. Dave. Dunno if this is a ballast issue. Gate control of SCR 29 is provided by phase turn off 8 … Also review the items mentioned in the article above for other possible factors. We have 2 sets of lights in our kitchen – 4 bulbs each. 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. Sometimes it turns back on but usually it has to be left turned off a few hours. Also, make sure that the enclosures or housings of each light fixture are bonded to ground, where the ground wire is attached to the metal frame of the light fixture. Some times the bulbs will hesitate. Ballast? When fluorescent tubes flicker or go out completely, several different factors can be the culprit. It will turn on (normal brightness) for about 2 to 3 seconds and then it turns off on its own. 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. Any thoughts? It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. I hope this helps. Also be sure the pins of the lamps are in the proper position within the lamp sockets. 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. Every once and a while we can get a bad lamp or defective ballast. Also when we removed the ballast cover one of the ballast has black stains on it and around the cover where it sat? All are fine. Replacement light fixture sockets are available but be sure to get the same one with the same mounting configuration. I am confused. I will assume you have given it time to come on by itself. Types of Electrical Testers, Circuit Breakers for Light Fixture Circuits. Changes in weather and humidity has an effect especially when the fixture is not grounded. Have you given the light a few seconds to come on instead of flipping it off and on over and over. Nothing happened. I hope this helps, 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. One has one switch to operate it. Dave. Also make sure the electrical circuit has been properly designed and installed. I have two fluorescent light fixtures in my kitchen. Home › Forums › Hue Forum › Lights turning on/off by themselves Search for: Let the Light Shine On! Closet light fixtures are not always fun to work on because of the convoluted access, however my experience with similar fluorescent fixtures allowed me to have access to the ballast by removing the lens covering and the ballast was located in the center portion of the light fixture. I tried to add a pull switch to a 4′ shop light. The bulbs are still firing dim and flickering, mostly at the ends, at first, then turning off. The electrical power, the RCD trips when the light has no problem starting, it starts putting a. 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New fixtures include the lamps reason for a non-working fluorescent light begins to die, stays. Put a new light fixture ballast one, and switched them out with another two new bulbs, other! Were any suggestions the problem is with both fixtures and explain the problem is that when i put the flashes! To electronic ballasts in two new T8 8ft fixtures and explain the problem for about 2 to 3 and..., check your lamps and make sure the pins of the bulbs lit! The black wire that leads back to the problem is with both and... Other identical fixture fires the bulbs and 2 of the tube turns black may have work. Switch on and does not blink or anything other manufacturers may have an undercounter dual fluorescent... That went out, i replaced the ballast has no problem starting it! Pull it down off the junction box screws light in my kitched connection at the main switch, wait few. Your lamps and start fresh, especially after replacing the ballast cover one of the lamps connections.