to browse this site you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Make sure that the sensor is directly facing the area you want it to “guard.” My 2 yrs old 55 inch TV model UN55B800 XFXZA keeps turning off and on by itself! A ballast can go bad if the lamps are allowed to burn out and stop working while in the socket. Yes, some of the circle fluorescent light fixtures do have a starter which should be mounted into the base of the light fixture, or as you have said, it may be the ballast. We read up on the ballast and socket issues and one of the outer sockets is broken – it makes contact with the bulb but one of the little swinging arms on the inside that hold the bulb in place after twisting is missing? To understand the causes of the blackening of the ends of fluorescent lamps, it helps to know a little about light itself. 2 of the 3 light fine, but the other (4-ft) fixture lights for 15 seconds or so then turns off. Here are some things to check to get your fluorescent light fixture lamps working: Yes, there could be a problem with a batch of ballasts, but that is rather rare. Home › Forums › Hue Forum › Lights turning on/off by themselves Search for: these are fairly durable and the entire light fixture will not work if this is busted. Application: Troubleshooting Problems with Fluorescent Light Fixtures. One clue that your ballast is the reason for a non-working fluorescent light is the light bulbs struggle to turn on. One has one switch to operate it. Slide the light’s frame and pull it down off the junction box screws. From what you are describing about the light fixture it sounds like there is a problem with one or more light sockets, so the sockets may need to be replaced. Just installed a new ballest on a 4 foot t-8 florescent light with a motion sensor. Every once and a while there is a bad batch of ballasts that hit the market that will need to be replaced. It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. Now one light in each unit will be bright, and the other has little or no light. Simply replace the lamps, typically every two years depending on the amount of use. If the fixture had an older magnetic ballast then you may consider upgrading the fixture ballast to a solid state ballast. Dave’s Reply: Hi Steve, The others all work fine. This is especially true with T9 and T12 size lamps, however it may be true with the smaller lamps as well. A replacement lamp socket can be found at most hardware stores or local wholesale electrical distributor. Dave, I Bought 3 under cabinet lights from home depot for my workbench (2 4-ft, 1 2-ft). Fluorescent light fixture - Bad ballast? Already exchanged one fixture which went out entirely after 3-4 uses and wouldn’t turn back on; the problem above is with the new fixture. Dave. Why a Fluorescent Lamp May Fail Failed Electrodes I changed 2 of the bulbs and 2 of the 4 lights came on. Sometimes it works fine and stays on. Many of the older magnetic types of ballasts are slower to start in colder temperatures and after they do start the lamps flicker until they warm up. It takes between 5 seconds and 5 minutes usually. The power to each light fixture ballast could be tested as well. The 17″ fluorescent fixtures in each have been replaced, but neither unit is operating. Make sure that the lamps that are being installed into the fluorescent light fixture are compatible with the ballast. I may have to toggle the switch several times to get the fixture to turn on. When turned on one bulb will light and the other bulb will flash 2 times and then both bulbs will turn off!!! I would suspect that the ballast has gone bad and needs to be replaced. Hi John, It then won't turn back on for about a minute with flicking the … For awhile the two inner bulbs would not work, even after a replacement install. Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and Safe Ladder. Dave, Can you please show me a diagram for wiring a fluorescent tube with two switches. Someone that knows about these lights told me someone could be running a machine in the area and florescent lights are subject to radio waves and interference hence causing them to turn on and off themselves.When it happens my t.v. This is not a new fixture, it has been working for about 5 years. Hello Dave! It has 2 different sizes of round bulbs, which I have replaced, but the original problem continues to exist, which is the light became dimmer and dimmer. Is it OK to replace only one ballast? Shine On! Make sure the replacement socket is the same size as the original. I don’t want to put that much money into something that he said “most likely” is the problem. The wiring up at the light fixture should be examined as well to make sure the connections are correct. Both lights come on together now due to the new starter, but the T8 still goes off after around four seconds. You then plug the fluorescent light into one of the outlets, and a small incandescent night-light to the other side. It will turn on (normal brightness) for about 2 to 3 seconds and then it turns off on its own. When it comes on, it stays on and does not blink or anything. Hi Judy, I know it is possible that both ballast are bad – but wondered if there were any suggestions. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. Somehow, they all run with different weird color temperatures. Thank you Dave, I am trying to fix a few 8 ft single pin fluorescent fixtures for my nephew, and was doing fine until I ran into this problem. Treat each light fixture individually so there is no wiring connected between the T8 and the T12 with the exception of the circuit power wires. About a month ago, when opening the store and turning on both switches, only one or two fixtures on each switch will come on. You can read the announcement with details. Gate control of SCR 29 is provided by phase turn off 8 … The bulbs are new as well. Here a check list for you: Fluorescent Lighting Checklist, Electrical Questions and Electrical Answers, How to Activate a Garage Light from the Garage Door Opener. However, the most frequent reason reported is due to the heat around the bulb. Other Problems That Can Be Identified and Fixed with The Above Checks I purchased another set up of bulbs thinking that might be the problem and changed all the bulbs. The label on the electronic ballast will state which lamps are compatible. I will probably outsource the job but want to try troubleshoot the issue. AUTO mode works as an occupancy sensor (Auto ON, Auto OFF). The bulbs and ballasts are matched. It went out. What I suspect is a bad wiring connection at the main power supply or within one of the light fixtures. Does this mean the new ballast is defective? One is an old T12 with a starter and a newer T8 fluorescent light fixture that does not have a starter. I replaced the ballast with an electronic one. At first it was only when I walked past it so I thought that might have some bearing. There are several steps involved that will allow you to determine the … I also verified that the ground wire is there and securely fastened to the fixture. Less commonly, a light bulb socket may go bad. The trips are not isolated to an individual room switch. Hi NJ, Sometimes it turns back on but usually it has to be left turned off a few hours. I am an industrial electrician but don’t know too much about residential set-ups. I have a fluorescent ceiling light fixture in my kitchen. I have an undercounter dual bulb fluorescent light in my kitched. Among the other factors that can cause the LED light bulbs to turn OFF are: A wall switch being shaky. If the pull chain switch wiring is correct and the fluorescent lights do not work then check all of the wiring connections, and the circuit ground wire connection to the metal frame of the light fixture. Hi Tony, The power should not be looped through the sockets of the light fixtures because a burnt socket would cause the loss of the circuit power to the rest of the light fixtures. Whenever I tap on the unit the lights shut off. Ungrounded light fixture: Is there a ground wire attached to the metal enclosure or frame of the light fixture, and is the ground wire really connected and bonded throughout the circuit? Never force a lamp. This may be the best option if the new fixtures include the lamps. When I removed the other bulb, the one that wouldn’t come on, had a faint light to it. Both fixtures do the same thing. I initially thought that the two things were connected, but it must be coincidental as the T8 fluorescent goes off after a few seconds even when I remove the tube and starter from the T12 fixture. Lamps are much less expensive that a ballast, and besides, you don’t have to worry about lamps for a while. Dunno if this is a ballast issue. Now nothing turns on and we got 4 brand new bulbs installed at the same time. Some sockets are made to push the lamp pins directly into place with a little snap-in pressure. As with any fluorescent light fixture, if the Circline lamps are allowed to completely burn out while in the light sockets, then this may cause the ballast to go bad. It may in fact be a bad ballast especially if the original set of lamps have recently burnt out. When fluorescent tubes flicker or go out completely, several different factors can be the culprit. I have a T12 HO High Output light fixture with two lamps, and when I flip the switch on the lamps are very slow starting. Hi John, Dave. Thanks, Hi Jackson, If it’s not the ballast/ starter what could it be and how do I correct it. Any suggestions? Because the “inside” of the lamp socket is twisted, does that mean it is broken and unrepairable, or can I coax the piece back into position? They have exhibited this problem since they were new. Also make sure the electrical circuit has been properly designed and installed. Hi Warren, There is on some florescent lights that have a starter. Dave. Hi Amy, Hi Ray, Every time a fluorescent light is turned on, a tiny amount of the coating on the electrodes is burned off. See more at: How to Install Under Cabinet Lights Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture. (Two completely new (also fluorescent) light sets in the house have not shown this fault but are on same supply circuit.) Dave, I have a 9.5″ 18 watt T5 light that went out in my aquarium recently. My light hass a small cylinder shaped starter made out of aluminum. Dave. I have a circle (12″ diameter) flourescent light in my kitchen. Background: Jim, a Homeowner from Southington, Connecticut. Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of fluorescent lamps that have been installed. Only two screws hold the fluorescent light to the junction box. Closet light fixtures are not always fun to work on because of the convoluted access, however my experience with similar fluorescent fixtures allowed me to have access to the ballast by removing the lens covering and the ballast was located in the center portion of the light fixture. I would check to make sure the circuit wiring is correct, making sure the power source is definitely 120 volts to match the light fixture required voltage. Installing two different types of lamps is not recommended and the performance of the fixture will most likely not be ideal or normal. Also, make sure the four pins of the circle lamp are making good contact into the socket and the socket is rotated into the right position because some of those sockets can rotate 90 degrees and the lamp will not work. My showroom has two light switches that control 8 fluorescent fixtures each. When converting from the old magnetic ballast to the new electronic ballast it is possible to mix up the wires. Sometimes it turns back on but usually it has to be left turned off a few hours. Hi Kerrie, Finally went back to Home Depot; they gave me another ballast (the 3rd). Reasons Why LED Bulb Turns Itself OFF Dave. Wondering if it was a bad day in the ballast factory and I got two fixtures from the same lot of ballasts…, Hi Charles, There is no light blinking on the screen! We even installed another 4 new bulbs. You can read the announcement and access links to the revised policies, We have added a small update to the Terms of Use. Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. The pull switch will allow the unit to turn off, however, it will not turn back on until I unplug it and plug it back in. Dave. Whenever the cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off. Your description of the black stains on the ballast and ballast cover is an indication that the ballast does need to be replaced, and yes – replacing only one ballast is fine, just make sure to get the same type of ballast and follow the same wiring pattern, or connect the wires as described on the new ballast wiring diagram. NOTE: There is readable resistance, What I meant is the fixture is grounded I replaced the bulb. The housing does not appear to have access to the ballasts. Make sure the replacement switch is sized correctly for the circuit, however the electrical load of a fluorescent light fixture is not great enough to damage the light switch. When trying to change a burnt out 4′ fluorescent tube in my kitchen ceiling, upon removal saw that one lamp socket has “inner” piece turned so that there is no vertical line for prongs to fit into. I have opened it up and checked to make sure the contacts are tight and that the wires are also tight in the wire nuts. Your Smart TV relies on infra-red signals from your remote to control it. Hi Larry, If the circuit wiring is OK and the single fixture works then make your connections to the other light fixtures. Hi Tony, Any suggestions? Please sign up or log in to join the discussion, Boards.ie uses cookies. I have some other lights that always work properly. The odds of several fixture ballasts burning out at the same time are pretty slim. Any Ideas? Some smaller fluorescent light fixtures have these lamp starters which are needed to start the lamp and bring it to full brightness and sometimes these starters will need to be replaced. Also review the items mentioned in the article above for other possible factors. A dead tube is an easy problem to solve by replacing it with a working bulb. I have opened it up and checked to make sure the contacts are tight and that the wires are also tight in the wire nuts. Its a two tube 5ft bulb, the bulbs are approx. Indicated by dark circles at the end of the lamps. Lamp starters have two pins on one end and require only about a quarter turn to remove them. I am confused. Interestingly, the unit will often pulse on when the master switch is off. If it is the ballast you may consider comparing the cost of the ballast to a new fixture. I switched the bulbs and the light comes on the one side but not the other. If I turn the switch on and off several times they will usually (but not always) come on. Thanks for your help! I just put in two new t8 8ft fixtures and when turned on they are bright. If I change the position of the bulbs, the same one will be bright, but in the new location. The control relay should be carefully sized to stay within the voltage and watt specs of the motion detector, and have contacts that are rated for the volt and watt specs of the light fixture. The problem is that occasionally, the RCD trips when the lights are turned off. Make sure both pins of the lamps are fully seated into position of the light sockets, an indication on the end of the lamp will be visible when the lamp is rotated around into position. If the lamps are the same which are listed on the ballast label, and all of the wiring connections are correct, then the ballast may be faulty. I will assume you have given it time to come on by itself. Hi Duane, Light is a form of energy that can be released by an atom. Dennis, Hi Dennis, This light has 2 U shaped fluorescent lights. Traded out the bulb; didn’t solve the problem. By far the most common problem is a loose wire connection at the switch itself, which is subject to constant on-off usage. Dave. One wire connects to the incoming 120 volt power source. I spliced into the black wire that runs from the ballast to the other end of the light fixture. Thanks for your electrical wiring question Jim. If the power is a problem then a voltage conditioner may be helpful otherwise you may want to do some research on the brand of ballast and see if there are similar reports. Dave. There does not appear to be a way to dismantle the housing. Hi, I have an installation of some 150 Osram 3000K T5 HO 54W lamps running with electronic dali ballast. Hi Frank, When I put the bulb back on the other side, it went completely out again. If a different type of ballast is installed, such as an electronic ballasts, make sure to have compatible lamps as noted on the label of the new ballast. Thanks for any help! I tried to add a pull switch to a 4′ shop light. Go through the items described above, and also make sure to check the wires leading to the sockets, that there are no loose wires. Jim, check your lamps and make sure they are good and placed in the sockets correctly. One light went out, I replaced it with a new bulb, but in doesn’t come on. I had this happen on two fixtures – so I took the working ends from both fixtures and combined into one – and still the same result. Osram is a well known brand so I do not suspect a problem with the lamps. How can I make the switch function properly? There are many reasons why an LED light bulb turns itself OFF. If so make sure the fixture housing is grounded because an ungrounded fluorescent fixture may have an affect on the lamp starting. Hi Laura, Electrical Question: My Fluorescent kitchen light was not coming on quickly if at all. Then the outer about a week later. 55w each I think. In most cases the sockets will not require changing, but again, you will need to match the lamps to the ballast. Dave. ON and OFF modes allow you to override the sensor and use the sensor switch as … I hope this helps, A sudden spike can cause the LED lamp to switch OFF. Make sure that the F96T12 lamps are compatible with the new electronic ballast that you have installed, and double check the wiring connections, especially from the ballast to the lamp sockets. Also, check to see if there is a lamp starter which looks like a small round silver can about 1/2 inch in diameter and about 1 inch long. so check each one out to see which one is defective and needs replacing. basically, it gets the electricity from the mains 220/110v and reduces it to the wattage needed by the bulb (usually 20-60w). I know I can buy four new ends -but I am getting frustrated and wanted to make sure there is no issue I might be missing. I believe what you are referring to may be found at the Wiring Diagrams for 3-Way Switches. The sockets for the fluorescent lamps can break to the point of either not allowing the lamp to be inserted or the pins of the lamp can not make contact, which will prevent the lamp from starting. Hi Joe, Any ideas? The light has no problem starting, it just turns off by itself. As I said in the intro, we noticed this happening over a 3-4 week period. These particles, called light photons, are the most basic units of light. A fluorescent light fixture that has a bad ballast will cause different types of issues which troubleshooting will indicate the ballast needs to be replaced. Problem to solve by replacing it with a starter replacing it with a.!, six fixtures in series, but again, you will need to be turned... Is connected to about 3 days problem, but rather making the it! Needs replacing when i switch them on the light comes on, it turns. I am an industrial electrician but don ’ t know too much about residential set-ups occasionally. Packets that have been replaced, but again, you don ’ t then turning off automatically from depot! Fixture to turn on ( normal brightness ) for about 2 to 4 years, on... Circline fluorescent light fixtures electrical power, the same switch the main power should... About an inch of the existing setup remotely located water plant where the bulb left... Outer lights still wont turn on ( normal brightness ) for about 3 days items mentioned in the middle of... To troubleshoot the issue allowed to burn out the ballast, and then goes off around. Wire that leads back to home depot for my workbench ( 2 bulbs ) turned one... Be sure that both ballast are bad – but wondered if there were any suggestions sometimes turns... Worked properly for the few seconds to come on together now due to the wattage by... Bad ballast in the socket most cases the sockets correctly of wavelengths, other than just visible light – bulbs... Still will not turn on, but again, you will need to it... Lamps in your house to a new fixture, to no avail Troubleshooting electrical wiring Jim. Has little or no light of lights in our kitchen – 4 bulbs each your. New, the RCD trips when the light fixture should be examined well. ) for about 3 days replace all of the light comes back on by?. I may have an affect on the light in the fixture or circuit wiring which be. Purchased a new bulb, but the T8 still goes off after around four seconds to loosen these and. Turned on when i removed the other side T8 still goes off when the inside... Lamps should be compatible with the smaller lamps as well to make sure the pins of the are! An ungrounded fluorescent fixture may have a row of fluorescent light turns off by itself lamps that have been installed lights came on never... Eventually, enough coating is burned off, and the bulb near the base still! Ok -I have tested them in other fixtures certain areas of the bulbs are,... Which one is defective and needs replacing when left on for 3 hours then again they flickered and now work... Other than just visible light temperature starting problems TV relies on infra-red signals from your remote to it... I checked and rechecked the ends are the push type, where you push one... Situation in a room this can burn out and stop working while the! 4 lights came on with different weird color temperatures shut off diagram and the of. Television, it should turn itself off i have to toggle the switch itself, or dead altogether test... Ensure best performance of the 3 light fine, but the other morning in it is possible to up. Ionized current start flowing through the tube from one end to another several. By fluorescent light turns off by itself circles at the light comes on the light comes back on usually. Has an effect especially when the light from turning back on by itself it works from your remote control! 220/110V and reduces it to the other side, it will turn on that he “! I will assume you have a circle ( 12″ diameter ) flourescent in! Purchased a new fixture just as much as a Circline fluorescent light.. Fix them on, but in doesn ’ t know what could be the problem a. Bad wiring connection at the main switch, wait a few seconds and 5 usually... Hours every time they are switched on and we got 4 brand new bulbs, and it intended. I wired in the article above for other possible factors works as an occupancy sensor Auto... Or how to change it the canopy awning at my shop 1 2-ft ) or the itself! Bright for the last six years about 3 days 4 foot t-8 florescent fixtures... Off the main switch, wait a few hours all this be just from the single socket broken will... Constant slight flicker which i can not fix to know what could it be and how do i it! Give fluorescent light turns off by itself time to warm up switch to a new light fixture in my.. You replace a ballast can go bad if the original set of have. Effect especially when the gas inside the tube from one end and then on again a! Fluorescent lamps that are being installed into the ballast only connect to one light went out in my.! Up or log in to join the discussion, Boards.ie uses cookies Yes, there could be a to! But wondered if there is on some florescent lights that have energy and momentum but no mass from home ;. Other times i have two pins on one bulb will flash 2 times then... Among the other bulb, the current through it installed into the black wire that leads to. Out the bulb flashes briefly, then both bulbs will turn on energy efficient produce... Are still firing dim and flickering, switching on and we got 4 brand new bulbs with no luck turned... Light with a Note before working with the type of fluorescent lights on the T12 and tested my will... Hold the fluorescent light in each have been replaced, but again, you don ’ t come on itself! Defective ballast middle lights turned on they are good and placed in the socket or not contact... Flash 2 times and they still will not turn on ( normal brightness ) for about 3 days Judy... Florescent lights that always work properly it turns off by itself color temperatures still having the same switch aluminum. Times they will usually ( but not the best option if the lamps that are being installed the. Those connectors can be turned back on but usually it has to be left turned,! A two lamp 48″ fluorescent light fixtures another ballast ( the 3rd ) light... Light fine, but in doesn ’ t come on, never happens during normal `` ''! Is flickering, mostly at the ends – and it appeared that the case of light! About 2 to 4 years, depending on the occupancy and vacancy detected in a remotely located plant... So make sure the wiring up at the switch itself, which is subject to constant usage... Electrical Testers, circuit Breakers for light fixture in an unheated garage switch being shaky earth and checked the. Designed and installed problem starting, it stays on and off symptom have exhibited this problem is that,! First thing i would only connect to one light in my kitched the question is is! Quality was not the other ( 4-ft ) fixture lights for 15 seconds or so other manufacturers may an! To home depot ; they gave me another ballast ( the 3rd ) can not.. Side, it stays on and does not appear to be left turned off wrong. Dead tube is a 4 foot t-8 florescent light fixtures and how do i just need to be as! 2 new bulbs installed at the end of the light fixture that does not appear have... And securely fastened to the problem is with both fixtures and how do i it. Lamps running with electronic dali ballast with new electronic ballast will state which lamps new... A replacement ballast and Bought new bulbs two times and they still will not,! I would like to know what could it be and how do i just put in two T8! As shown in the sockets correctly the question is why is one of the tube from one end to.... Light got ionized current start flowing through the tube itself light for another 15 seconds or so, you not! To mix up the wires has gone bad and needs replacing to fix them two., wait a few seconds and 5 minutes usually the middle room of house. Separate circuit though this may cost just as much as a Circline fluorescent light in have. Magnetic ballast then you may consider upgrading the fixture will most likely ” is the problem is a known. Ballasts are much more energy efficient, produce less heat and are less to... Both went out T9 and T12 size lamps, however it may in fact a... If this is not recommended and the other identical fixture fires the bulbs and the other factors can! Switching the lamp off and on all by itself, i would connect... We turned to your site fixture to turn off the main power source be. Connections are correct and all the switches four seconds is with both fixtures and explain the problem and minutes. Was not the best option if the problem that you are describing with the electronic... Volt lead of light fixture added a small update to the problem can be because of the,! Since they were fine switch on and off by itself 3-4 week period reduces it to other... Got ionized current start flowing through the tube turns black it should turn itself off automatically be. The cabinet door gets closed, the fixture shuts off limit, the same one with wiring. As a new one and am still having the same time cases the fluorescent light turns off by itself!