I installed a long life fluorescent light bulb in an porch fixture and it flickers. Why is it flickering?

Answer 1

If you're referring to a compact fluorescent, such as the swirly type, you cannot use those in fixtures controlled by a dimmer, or photocell. If the fixture is controlled by a photocell, only the older style compact fluorescents such as the Earthlight with a magnetic ballast are compatible for use with a photocell, but they may not physically fit into smaller fixtures because of their size.

Using the new electronic ballasted compact fluorescent lamps in fixtures with a dimmer, photocell, and some timers will ruin them, causing them to flicker or flash on and off like a strobe.

Fluorescent lighting is a great choice for porch lights, but you might consider changing to a fixture that is fluorescent to start with, rather than using Compact fluorescents in an existing one.. Do not use a dimmer to control them.

Answer 2

Fluorescent lights don't do well if they get damp. There are various lamp designs that can seal the bulb in, which you might consider looking into. The best time to install would be a dry day in winter, because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as hot air.

On a regular fluorescent tube, you could look at the contacts, the starter, and the ballast in the fixture. New starters often work wonders. Sadly, yours is not a tube, it is a bulb, so the starters, and ballasts, if any, are probably a part of the bulb, or are a single separate unit, which would have to be replaced entirely. T

There may be a problem with the original light socket though. If you see any corrosion spots (Rust on most metals, green spots on copper, and white fuzz on aluminum) you might try changing that out, but explaining how to change a socket deserves it's own question and answer.

Answer 3

As others have said, if you have a dimmer switch the fluorescent light will flicker or not work. Some fluorescent bulbs will flicker in cold wheather. Try taking the blub out and put it into a known working lamp. If it still flickers the bulb is bad. Good Luck!

Answer 4

a flickering light might be that there is a loose connection somewhere / and it depends on the type of fixture you installed (suitable for damp locations or outdoor use) and depending on the manufacturer ,,,,you might just have a weak cheap fixture .you pay for what you get ..

Answer 5

If the light is on a dimmer switch flourescents will flicker.

Answer 6

Check the Ballast

Answer 7

it is because the light does not fit right so try so try to tighten the inside of the lamp

Answer 8

try changing the starter

Answer 9

it might be loose