Fluorescent Lighting Problem and Repair Checklist

How to Identify and Repair Problems with Fluorescent Light Fixtures
Electrical Question: I have fluorescent lighting in my kitchen and I have been having issues getting the lights to turn on when it is humid out.

This fluorescent light fixture is very frustrating!

• The bulbs are OK, in fact, I’m pretty sure they’re brand new.
• Do you have any suggestions on what this could be and how I can fix it?
• Anything you have to tell me would be a great help!

I look forward to your response. Have a great night!

Additional Comments: Tons of information available for different things.
Background: Nicole, from Lehighton, Pennsylvania.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Nicole.

Troubleshooting Checklist  for Repairing a Fluorescent Light Fixture

1. Lamp Pins and Sockets
   Make sure both pins of the lamps are in all the way in the sockets and the lamps have been rotated so the pins make connection with the socket contacts. At the base of each end of the lamp there are marks 180 degrees apart from each other which are indicators where one will point downward when the lamp is rotated into the correct position to make connection with the contacts in the sockets.
2. Ring Around Lamp Base
   Make sure both lamps are in good condition and do not have dark rings around one end. One bad lamp can prevent the other lamp from starting.
3. Damaged Sockets
   Check the lamp sockets. Lamp sockets can be damaged when a lamp is forced into place. If a lamp socket is cracked or broken then it will need to be replaced.
4. Ground Wire
   The fluorescent fixture enclosure must be grounded. If the ground wire has not been attached to the fixture housing this can cause the lamps to lighten up very dimly.
5. Fluorescent Light Ballast
   Never let fluorescent lamps burn out in the socket. This is a sure way of damaging the internal ballast which will require a new ballast and lamps, and a fixture ballast is the most expensive part which can cost around $20.00 dollars.
6. Lamp Starter
   Some older fluorescent fixtures require starters that can go bad. A starter has the appearance of a small round silver can which is usually found at one end of the fixture. Starters can burn out and require replacing. They require a slight twist to remove or install them.
7. Light Switch
   Every once and a while the wall switch may stop working and need replacing. Make sure to replace the wall switch with the same voltage and amperage as indicated on the original switch.

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» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires! The Non-Contact Electrical Tester This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use. The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring! The Plug-In Outlet Tester This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use. Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire! The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs Please Note: Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects: Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor. Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter. Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area. Precaution: Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Important: Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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