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Light Fixtures Electrical Troubleshooting

a recessed fluorescent light fixture in the basement that did not work. I replaced it with a new fixture which used 2, 4′ T8 bulbs. About a year later it went bad…


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Light Fixtures Electrical Troubleshooting
Background: Brad, a Handyman from Decatur, Il
[ad#block]Question: I moved into my house 2 years ago. When I moved in there was a recessed fluorescent light fixture in the basement that did not work. I replaced it with a new fixture which used 2, 4′ T8 bulbs. About a year later it went bad. When I say bad, it just stopped working one day no flickering, dim light at the end of the tubes, nothing. So I put in another new fixture and now about a year later it has gone bad too. I’m worried that there is a problem with the wiring. What should I be looking for that would cause this type of problem?

Thanks!!

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Brad. Try to determine exactly what went bad. What component of all these fixtures stopped working. Verify the voltage of the power source. Other factors may include constant vibrations from sources such as heating ducts or floor vibrations.

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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Light Fixtures Electrical Troubleshooting”
  1. june says:

    I have three fluorescent light fixtures in the building I work in that are not getting any voltage. When I test the wiring at the junction boxes connected to them I’m not getting a voltage reading. I have already checked the electrical panel for a tripped circuit and everything is fine there. What do you think could be the problem?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi June,
    In the building you are referring to, are there wall switches that control the light fixtures?
    If the circuit has power from the panel then the power may be going to a control source first which may be a normal light switch or it may be controlled by a building automation system.
    Dave