I have a light fixture that is less than 6 months old (closet/kitchen/hallway) that takes a 9-inch round fluorescent bulb and it quit working. I bought a new bulb and it still doesn't work. If you plug the bulb into the fixture, there is a slight glow where the plug is and if you touch the bulb the glow will grow further. This is a new fixture and I have tried 3 new bulbs (which are supposed to last for 5 years the box claims). Does anyone know what could be wrong with this fixture or if there is a way to fix it? I would rather not have to go out and buy yet another new fixture if I don't have to. Is this a possible ballast problem or something else and could it be fixable?
2007-10-13 08:22:46 · 13 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It could be any one of these things OP have mentioned.
If this light is only 6 months old call, write or email the mfg. If you're like me you probably don't have the receipt. Just explain the problem and I'll bet you have a new fixture sent to you within a week or so. I've done this before and it works. It beats spending your own money.
2007-10-13 08:49:42 · answer #1 · answered by Michael C 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't have a definitive answer, but it sounds like your ballast isn't working. I am having a similar problem with a fluorescent floor lamp with a semi-circular fluorescent "bulb".
It worked great for years until the original "bulb" burnt out. When I tried to remove the bulb, part of the ballast unit broke off and the ballast unit doesn't work properly any more. I can make it come on marginally by fiddling with the switch, but it doesn't work the way it is supposed to. Effectively the fixture lasted only as long as the original bulb.
The ballast is probably inoperable, which usually means a new fixture for you. Unless the fixture is quite expensive, it will probably be just as expensive and troublesome to try to find a replacement ballast as to just replace the fixture. Most likely, there is nothing wrong with any of your bulbs, so hang onto them.
2007-10-13 08:34:06 · answer #2 · answered by Ralleia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you've tried a new bulb, it's not the bulb.
It could be the ballast, if this is an old fixture.
If it's really old, it may have a starter (round silver thing).
If it does, try replacing that, it unscrews 1/4 turn.
2007-10-13 08:29:32 · answer #3 · answered by Robert S 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi Jo,
I still haven't understood your problem. Is it just for one fixture?
If its just one fixture; then:
Usually such fixtures have a starter;replace the starter (small cylindrical device sticking out of your fixture); 95 % of fluorescent fixtures have problems with the starters
- if that doesn't work then try replacing the ballast - its basically an inductor.
2007-10-13 08:34:11 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Hi,
Fluorescent bulbs sometimes need to "warm up". Try leaving it in there for a couple of minutes. Also make sure the metal contact prongs are pushed all the way in and twisted in the right direction.
It sounds like it is getting partial contact which will make it glow, but not bright.
Please make sure you have the power off before touching any contact points with your hands.
Good luck.
2007-10-13 08:31:41 · answer #5 · answered by tashiasdad 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Is it a regular light that you are putting a energy saving fluorescent bulb in? If so I think two wires are touching and causing a short-I suspect its the ground wire and a hot wire--turn off your electricity at the breakers-turn off light switch-take the two screws out holding the fixture and check all wire connection -make sure all are connected securely..
2007-10-13 08:29:11 · answer #6 · answered by stevemxusa 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
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2016-10-21 02:36:44 · answer #7 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I agree if it is only 6 mo old take it back or get ahold of mfg. You can probably do this online.
Ballast is bad or you have a loose wire. Dont think they make the old starter fixtures any more.
2007-10-14 03:59:54 · answer #8 · answered by analize2much 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
looks like a ballast problem, you will have to invest 20 bucks for a new fixture
2007-10-13 08:26:52 · answer #9 · answered by Herman 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Check out the starter...I small can shaped object if there is no starter then replace the ballast.
2007-10-13 08:26:30 · answer #10 · answered by DanD 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋