I have a Fluorescent light in my kitchen and it is shorting. What maybe wrong. We have had a lot of condensation today in the kitchen, being doing a lot of cooking. Could it be damp, should we get it checked out. Husband says just leave it, but it smells and condensation and electricty are not a good comination are they?
2007-06-14 10:28:31 · 7 answers · asked by anne b 6 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
90% that its the ballast, will have two wires connected. These eventually fail and short, take a look under the cover, it may look like it's overheated. Easy to replace with a new one of the same wattage, or not much more for a complete batten fitting.
2007-06-14 20:29:56 · answer #1 · answered by jayktee96 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Nope, electricity and weather don't go well together.
Chances are it is just the ballast. This is a small part that helps florescent lights start. It could also be a bit of corrosion on the contacts where the bulb plugs in (or where the ballast plugs in for that matter). Of course, it could always be that your lights are wearing out. Florescent lights don't last forever.
2007-06-14 17:32:40 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it smells like burnt wire and or if you take the belly pan off of the fixture its where the transformer is at and if it smells or has tar leaking from it than its bad and needs to be replaced even if the bulbs flicker and wont lite its the starter which is made in the transformer replace it
2007-06-14 17:34:11 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is the light turning off then after it cools it turns back on? If so that is the thermal protector in the ballast. It is there to shut the power off if the ballast is overheating.
You will probably need to replace the ballast. You can get them at most hardware/home centers for about $20.
2007-06-14 18:15:50 · answer #4 · answered by mike b 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
remove the tube from the light and hold it vertically get you husband to get another tube and have him also hold it vertically stand facing each other and say to you Husband
"Impressive. Most impressive. Obi-Wan has taught you well. You have controlled your fear. Now, release your anger. Only your hatred can destroy me. "
then start swinging the tubes as they do in star wars.
might not fix the light but it will be good fun
2007-06-14 17:42:26 · answer #5 · answered by spaceman 4 · 3⤊ 3⤋
If it has that "electrical" smell then it's toast. Replace it.
2007-06-14 17:32:26 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
could be malfunctioning or about to give up.
but also if you are running a blender or microwave it can also
pull power which causes it.
K
2007-06-14 17:31:04 · answer #7 · answered by BettyBoopGirl 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋