My flourescent light takes a long time to light up. What could be at fault ?

Question

It ranges from more than 15 minutes to couple of hours.

I have replaced practically every component that I could, such as the flourescents, ballast and the starters. However, nothing works.

It is a double fluorescent lamp. I have ensured that the ballast is able to support the two flourescent tubes. The specs for it is the same as the previoius one that I have be replaced.

The lamp has been working fine for many years. However, about 4 months ago, the problem started.

Any answer to my question will be very much appreciated.

Answer 1

Perhaps something is wrong with the circuit itself. You can have the amps and volts tested to see if it is up to specs. Maybe there's not enough juice to get the bulb going.

Answer 2

What is the voltage? Is it 120 volts? Ballasts come in different voltages. What watt rating are the bulbs and is it the same for the ballast. Is the ballast for 2 bulbs. There will be a little wiring diagram on the ballast and it will tell you how many bulbs it will light. Have you checked the tombstones? That's the little plastic pieces that the bulbs plug into. They do go bad occasionally and can be replaced. Also are you using regular fluorescent bulbs or the new electronic bulbs. There again the bulb and ballast have to match. Might be better to get a new fixture but if you do get a commercial quality one as the cheap ones don't last long. You might consider using sp 35 bulbs or daylight bulbs. They cost more but have a more natural light.

Answer 3

if it is not the starter, or the tubes, the only thing left is the wiring, so double check all the connections are correct and are securly fixed.
failing that consult a qualified electrician, or the light manufacturer as ther could be a hardware fault.

a flourescent light should take no more than 30 seconds at the outside and normally under 15 seconds when working correctly.

are you sure that you rewired the fitting correctly?
is the starter in as securly as it should be?
are the tubes seated correctly?

have you made any changes to the circuit that the fitting is on that could be draining power from the fitting, remeber you need a minimum power to start a flourescent, so try turning off all other lights in your home before turning on the problem flourescent, if the flourescent lights normally without a long delay then you have a wiring fault draining power somwhere so a qualifed electrician should be called in to diagnose the problem.

Answer 4

You said you had replaced both lamps, the ballast, and the starter. There was no mention of the sockets being replaced, or their condition. Check all four sockets for corrosion, or burns, also broken or loose wires in the sockets. Next, check the line voltage to your ballast,as well as the supply wire. I would need a bit more information about the fixture type and how it's installed to troubleshoot it much further. Good luck.

Answer 5

You could also check that the bulbs pins are making proper contact . i would double check your wiring and if you are still having problems it would be easiest to buy a new fixture for they are not much more than a ballast. and depending on the usage of the fixture you may want to consider a t8 fixture like previously stated.

Answer 6

This is typical of poor lamp quality. I would suggest that you cange out the ballasts and lamps to the T-8 type. They are more energy efficent. But your problem is the lamps.

Answer 7

Check the wires that lead to the outlet. It might be exposed causing it to become 110 or a lower wattage. Also try tying the entire thing together, the connections might be loose.

Answer 8

try replacing the starter. if not working yet, try replacing the bulb. if still won't work, but a new set of flourescent bulb with housing - maybe its time to retire the old one.

Answer 9

If you had to change so many things, why didnt you go for a new one instead. May had worked out cheaper.

Answer 10

sounds like the the ballests to me