Can I power a 12v strip light just from a 12v car battery?

Question

Right, I have a small 12v fluorescent strip light bulb, just the bulb. And I want to power it from a 12v car battery. But I'm not sure how to wire it up, because I tried putting the - and + on the two ends on the one side and same other side but it doesn't seem to light properly. It lights but like only on the side I aply the power, as a normal strip light lights up all the way along the strip.

Thanks, Jamie.

Answer 1

A fluorecent lamp is not rated at 12 volt, it needs some form of control gear to operate. (From either 12 or 240 volts) If you have applied 12 volts to the pins you have probably destroyed the lamp.

Answer 2

You can get the starter kit from www.carneons.co.uk. They sell their products on ebay too. It comes with everything you need. Starter, ballast etc. I bought one for my car and it works fine. Even though you need the starter and ballast etc, the reason why it is dimming is because the wire you are using is too thin. Once you get the starter kit from ebay (it's only £5) get a good quality speaker wire from halfords and just connect that to the + and - on your battery and then link it up to the existing wiring that comes with your starter :)

Answer 3

A fluorescent tube is incapable of lighting up without all the extras. capacitor, ballast, resistors, and starter capsule. either get the rest of the fitting or go for a 12 V halogen which does'nt require a starter.
LATER
I think "GEM R " must have misread the question.,

Answer 4

Try applying 12V to both ends at the same time then.

Answer 5

You need a starter and a ballast.

Answer 6

yes you can but but you need to put a switch in and also an inline fuse.

Answer 7

No. You need a starter, for a start.

Answer 8

need bigger thicker wires,,,oh what do i know im a female