Fluorescent light problem. Bulb or Ballast?

Question

I have a 2 foot long two tube fluorescent fixture that doesn't light immediately when turned on.

Any where from a couple of minutes to 20 or so after you turn it on both tubes suddenly light up.

No sign of blackness on ends of tubes.

I'm thinking ballast. Am I right?

Answer 1

Yes!

Answer 2

The easiest way to check is to buy two brand new tubes, and swap them with the old ones. If that rectifies the situation, then it's obviously the tubes. Also check to see if there is a starter and if it is in place properly. It might need to be replaced as well. I'd check those two before the ballast.

Also, just thought...there might be an internal wiring problem. It is very easy for individual wires to be trapped in the lid, etc. and get small nicks in them. If you do need to replace the ballast, check all the internal wiring from the ballast to the ends and the mains, just to be sure and prevent you from re-using faulty cables.

Answer 3

Well, my kitchen lights have been doing the same thing for the last 2 weeks. I bought ballasts, and am still waiting for my hubby to change them lol. I finally decided yesterday to buy new bulbs, what the heck, they're cheap, and even if it wasn't a bulb problem, I'd need them eventually. Well, the light comes on immediately now! My old bulbs had no sign of black on the ends either, so who knows. Maybe they're just not making them like they used to. Might as well go buy ballasts and bulbs, you'll need them eventually anyway, and will be certain of fixing the problem.

Answer 4

I would start with new tubes. Cheaper and easier than ballasts and the real problem about 97 percent of the time. If they don't fix it, change the ballast and keep the lamps for spares. That is the way I do it.

Answer 5

We have been using these globes for many years now. In the last 12 months we have had 3 go on us not bursting just popping like a normal globe I would be getting the wiring checked I don't know how old it is but its better to Better safe than sorry. We have never has a buzzing or half on state just sounds odd that your having so many problems. We use the long tube ones in garage (workshop) (shed) as you don't need so many. I also thing Price does have some influence so cheap ones from china would more that likely break down than the dearer ones

Answer 6

What's a ballast cost these days- $9-12 ? I think it is worth it to give it a try.

Answer 7

I'm thinking you're right. Be careful because bad ballasts can cause fires-especially the noisy ones.

Answer 8

probably you have a warm start flurescent fixture. use instant start flurescent tube and ballast, instant start flurescent light start within 5 sec.