the light in my kitchen was going out and I replaced both the 4 foot bulbs but they are still flicking and not as bright as they should be. Isn't there something in the middle works of the light I have to replace?
2006-07-27 03:33:03 · 6 answers · asked by WODYMAN 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You may not need to relace the ballast. Some times switching the bulbs around or making sure the same ends are at the same end of the fixture helps. Don't ask me why.
If you need to replace the ballast, it's normally under a plate in the middle. It's normally black. Take a look at it first and write down the info off of it so you can get the correct one.
Should be easy to replace, make sure power is off at the BREAKER. NOT just the light switch. The wires are held together by wire nuts. Just replace as the other one was.
Try the other suggestions before replacing the ballast.
Another thing may be, you bought the wrong bulbs. If you have the old ones left, look at the printing to make sure it is the same as the new ones.
2006-07-27 03:41:59 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Flickering can be caused by the ballast or the starter, usually a small silver tube with two pin connectors on one end. i'd suggest you try to replace the starter first since they are considerably cheaper and you should probably have a few on hand anyway.
If your current ballast is magnetic, just replace it anyway. Newer electronic ballasts are more efficient, produce less noise and run cooler.
Always match up parts when changing them!
Aren't you ready to rid yourself of the hassle of old-fasioned fluorescent lamps
and stop off at the hardware store for some CFL's? They're the same size as equivalent incandescent bulbs, fit into the same sockets and are even more efficient and long lasting than those big tubes and you don't have to buy & match up all those parts! Once it conks, just recycle it! (in accordance to local Mercury disposal laws)
Sold at most hardware & houseware stores.
2006-07-27 11:55:46 · answer #2 · answered by Ammy 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its an old model light there is a circular shinny thinngy (ballast) it has two prongs, and it comes out by unscrewing it 1/2 turn. Replace this peice. If it is a newer model, if you are electrically inclined it's easy, but you have cut and splice wires. On the ballast is a model number, a voltage rating and other info, write this info down, go to an ellectricall supply house and give this info to them, they will get the one you need, when you replace it turn off the breaker, and match the color of the wires to the old one (as long as its exactly the same ballast). If its not the same you will have to follow the wiring diagram on the new ballast, and cross reference it to the old one. Kinda sounds like buying a NEW light might be easier huh?
2006-07-27 10:49:25 · answer #3 · answered by Mike S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like you had flourescent prior to this replacement, so this may not apply to you:
We added flourescent lights to our hallway, and had to take them back out because they constantly flickered, even when the switch was off. An electrician told us that because the electrical system is older in our house, the wiring was allowing bursts of current into the lights which caused them to flicker. They are more sensitive than a standard light bulb, so we switched back to standard instead of paying huge $$ to rewire our house.
In your case, maybe you need to clean the receptacles that they fit into?
2006-07-27 10:44:07 · answer #4 · answered by ? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
are they 34W bulbs? some fixtures require 40W bulbs. I have best luck with Sylvania bulbs.
I made the same mistake, I don't know why they make 34W bulbs when there are no fixtures that support them.
2006-07-27 11:06:39 · answer #5 · answered by handydaddy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
listen to "amaratine 28" its the best answer
2006-07-28 12:08:25 · answer #6 · answered by jodycat2@verizon.net 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋