Tech: fluorescent lighting question

Subject: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: frogprince
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 11:49 AM

Our kitchen is lighted by two four-tube units. Years ago I went through a frustrating sequence of replacing tubes, not having them come on consistently, replacing the ballasts, having no better luck, and still going through a number of tubes before getting all the tubes to come on consistently. We've been ok until the last couple of weeks. Now both units, on separate switches, are very erratic about coming on when switched, sometimes delaying quite a bit. No other apparent electrical problems. Can anyone tell from that whether we should be able to just replace some tubes, are apt to need new ballasts, or what?

Subject: RE: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: John on the Sunset Coast
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 12:00 PM

Suggestion, start with the tubes in one of the fixtures. If you're using 48" tubes, depending where you are and the type you're using, they should run $12 - $30 for the set. Unbelievably, 24" tubes will cost about twice that.

I think that's an inexpensive way to approach the problem. If it turns out you need new ballasts, you can store the extra tubes as future replacements.

Trusting Princess, John

Subject: RE: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: Mr Red
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 12:21 PM

ballast is usually OK, unless you mean "starter".

In the UK we have little white tubes that poke into the case at right angles to the tube which effectively short the tube to heat the heaters and they flick off very quickly then the tube "strikes". They are the usual suspects. I rarely hear of ballast needing replacing but the strike voltage of a tube must be about 100 volts which doesn't leave much on 110 volts ac and if it increases with age maybe there is your difficulty.

We usually have one starter per tube BTW.

Subject: RE: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 04:12 PM

This will sound truly amateur, since I am not a handyman. But I use fl. tubes to grow tomato plants for the garden. I find they are very touchy about their location in their brackets. Sometimes a light won't go on, but all it needs in a tiny twist sideways so that it is seated properly. It's possible that over the years some vibration has jiggled your tubes out of position.

When a tube is burning out, it turns a dark gray color.

When a ballast goes, it may emit a smokey odor. I once worked in an office where somebody smelled that and called the fire department. Four huge guys in rubber coats strode in, sniffed, and announced 'You have a ballast burning out!' It was a relief, though we felt a little foolish.

Let me ask you this: don't four fluorescent tubes produce a harsh, sterile light in the kitchen? Does your kitchen seem like an operating theater? If so, perhaps you want to change the lights completely. Now while they're acting like last-leggers would be a good time to consider it.

Many buildings from previous decades are over-lighted. If they have been drinking beer, they are over-lit.

Subject: RE: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: GUEST,mg
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 08:00 PM

if these are the old kind..I do not know the research on the new ones...of flourescent lights I would urge you to replace them with total darkness if that is your only option. They are extremely unhealthy...just google it. They make people look awful, food look awful and really do cause health problems. I would increase the sunlight if I could, use lamps, regular lighting or whatever but I will not sit under flourescent lights and I especially hate them at music camps, where people could easily just bring floor and table lamps. mg

Subject: RE: Tech: fluorescent lighting question
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 03 Sep 10 - 09:32 PM

New fixtures are relatively inexpensive and are much more efficient than the older ones. They often times come with bulbs included. It sounds like you've had these old ones going long enough now that they should be replaced for something more energy efficient. You don't need ballasts in the new fixtures.

If you agree with Mary, that the light is ugly, then think about some of the fixtures that will use the compact halogen lights or the little compact fluorescent fixtures.

I had some ceiling fixtures in my dining room and kitchen that I replaced last spring with two down-hanging fixtures that are suspended over the work or eating area where I need light. They look much warmer than the fluorescent rings on the ceiling, and they use the new halogen bulbs that are enclosed in bulbs that look like the old style incandescent bulbs. They come in colors for more appealing light.

SRS