The two fluorescent bulbs in my kitchen quit working. I bought new ones, they worked a few days, and then they stopped working. By stop working, I mean they turn on but flicker and are very dim. I bought a starter to discover my lights don't use a starter, they use this thing I have never heard of called a ballast. So, I bought a ballast and some wire connectors to connect it. I bought new bulbs to be on the safe side, and they worked great for a few days, and now are doing the same thing again. Does anyone know anything else I can try?
2006-07-23 09:16:46 · 6 answers · asked by AceKicker 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
The replacement ballast you bought could be bad. I change them out everyday and it happens more than you would think. Make sure the ballast is the right type(electronic start, rapid start). Also make sure the ballast can support the length of the fluorescent bulbs in the fixture. For example if the light contains two 8ft bulbs you need a ballast that can support 16 feet of circuit. Double check and make sure it's wired correctly too. Remember in some ballasts not all of the wires(jumpers) are used. If all else fails get a new fixture.
2006-07-23 09:24:30 · answer #1 · answered by killmylandlord 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm thinking you either got the wrong ballast or you need to get a better quality one. If it worked at all, it was probably the solution to your problem. Ballasts go out so that's not a big deal. Problem is, they shouldn't go out after a couple days.
2006-07-23 09:19:52 · answer #2 · answered by oldmoose2 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sounds like the wrong ballast or a defective one. However it is also possible there is a small surge every once in a while in that possible line that shorts out the ballast. You may want to go farther than replacement and have the lines tested to that particular fixture. GL
2006-07-23 09:38:44 · answer #3 · answered by shire_maid 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
remove the whole thing and replace with whole new units . its cheaper and faster. I know I'm a electrician
2006-07-23 09:50:29 · answer #4 · answered by pahump1@verizon.net 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you got the wrong ballast.
2006-07-23 09:22:58 · answer #5 · answered by Alex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get an electrician to check it out.
2006-07-23 11:01:28 · answer #6 · answered by Tommy M 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋