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Fluorescent Fixture

12/03/2018 2:14 PM

I have two double, eight foot fluorescent fixtures in my garage. Over time, one bulb in both fixtures started flickering. Both of the fixtures and their bulbs were 14 years old so I decided to replace all of the bulbs. However, only the bulbs in one fixture work. I switched the bulbs between fixtures and it did not make any difference.

I also changed the bulbs in my RV garage. Previously some worked and some were flickering. Now, all I get is dim flickering in all of the 4 fixtures in the RV garage.

Any ideas as what the problem may be?

Thanks,

Don

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#1

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/03/2018 3:09 PM

ballasts not too compatible with modern low mercury tubes. change the ballasts.

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#3
In reply to #1

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/03/2018 3:58 PM

Good info on the ballasts and bulbs. Since I'll be selling my home I will probably change the ballasts. Thanks

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#10
In reply to #3

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/05/2018 8:30 AM

Best check out what the ballasts will cost versus a new fixture. Sometimes cheaper to just replace the whole fixture. Especially if you can find then "on sale".

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#8
In reply to #1

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/04/2018 9:11 AM

14 years old, probably older. Ballasts have changed over the years and are now electronic. They only last so long. If OP was going to stay I would recommend changing out the fixtures as well to T8's and electronic ballasts.

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#2

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/03/2018 3:49 PM

Eliminate the ballasts, and the florescent bulbs with LED tube for $20 each....do you have single pin or double pin? Choose your shade of light and brightness....

https://www.ledmyplace.com/collections/ballast-bypass-led-tubes

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#4

Re: Fluorescent fixture

12/03/2018 4:16 PM

Let me add my 2 cents worth.

The ballasts in my 40 year old fixtures are still fine. I change bulbs as needed and never have had a problem. So, I don't know.

I've tried the LED replacements that say just plug and play with ballasts and they did not work in two different fixtures, one old and one new. So, if you buy LED bulbs, be sure you can return them. You can also bypass the ballasts in your old fixtures if you want to bother.

I'd probably try the LED route to add some sparkle.

Good luck.

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#5

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/03/2018 10:30 PM

Hi there Don,

Maybe you have defective starters or ballasts. Or the contact points of the fluorescent tube socket holders are slightly corroded.

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#6

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/03/2018 11:39 PM

Hi Don, what I did was remove all of the guts in my fluorescent fixtures and install screw in bulb fixtures. I looked at it from a cost and safety standpoint.

Led bulbs are cheaper and more widely available.

When standing on a ladder, it is safer to screw in a bulb with one hand and hold onto the ladder with the other hand.

A led strip could cost at least $75.00+ , whereas a bulb cost is about $6.00 each.

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#7
In reply to #6

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/04/2018 2:16 AM

Fluorescent fixtures are fine, if the usage is more than 8 hours in a day. For off and on usage, either incandescent or CFLs are more economical.

Fixing or changing a fluorescent tube is generally not a one man job, whereas all other forms are.

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#9

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/04/2018 4:24 PM

The problem is they aren't LED lights.

Fluorescent lights perform poorly when they're in a cold environment and die faster when they're in a hot environment. The combination of hot and cold cycling over the course of a year makes them do odd things when they start to die.

LED lights don't mind cold or hot temperatures. Get LED lights. Don't even bother getting 'fluorescent-compatible' bulbs. Just replace the fixtures. In the long run (and maybe even the short run) it'll be cheaper.

LED Shop Lights 6000-6500K-Daylight-5-Year-Warranty/

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#11
In reply to #9

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/05/2018 4:04 PM

Thanks to everyone for the comments. I've learned a lot.

I ordered new LED fixtures and I will install them as soon as they arrive. I was surprised that the LED fixtures were actually cheaper than purchasing new fluorescent fixtures, and new bulbs.

Thanks again.

Don

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#12

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/07/2018 2:57 PM

What was the weather when you turned on the lights? if there is a lot of humidity, the tubes will take a lot of time starting. When the humidity is low, no problem.

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#13
In reply to #12

Re: Fluorescent Fixture

12/08/2018 8:43 AM

I've flipped the switch in varying degrees of temperature, 30F to 95F. And same for humidity, 30% to 100%.

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Don in LA (3); Gadepalli Subrahmanyam (1); Kevin LaPaire (2); lrsheldon (1); lyn (1); minio (1); ronseto (1); SolarEagle (1); tonyhemet (1); Usbport (1)

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