Why Fluorescent Lamps May Not Be Bright
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My kitchen fluorescent lights have dimmed down to the point where we can barely see that there’s electricity even getting to them… |
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Understanding Fluorescent Light Fixtures
Question: My kitchen lights have dimmed down to the point where we can barely see that there’s electricity even getting to them. The bulbs are fluorescent. At first, only one bulb dimmed out, then a day or so later the other went. They are both operated by the same switch.
We tried other bulbs, but they are all dim in those sockets. There are no new power loads in the house to blame for the dimming. They just stay dim all the time. No other circuits in the house are doing this.
Thanks in advance,
Dave
This electrical question came from: Dave, a Homeowner from Waterford, Maine.
See more about Home Wiring for Maine
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dave.
Dim Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Bad Lighting Ballast
Dave, fluorescent light bulbs that are allowed to burn out in the socket can actually cause the ballast to burn out and need replacing. If fluorescent lamps start to burn out or flicker, then it is time to replace them, and always replace both lamps as a pair for a longer lasting ballast.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
Planning and Installing Home Lighting
Home lighting articles covering recessed lighting, under cabinet lighting, lighting terminology and more.
For more information about Troubleshooting
Repair Electrical Wiring
Troubleshooting and Repairing Electrical Wiring
Licensed Electrician Reveals the Secrets of Successful Electrical Troubleshooting Methods used to solve the majority of the home electrical problems and wiring failures encountered.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Electrical TipThe Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wiring!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis 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, [amazon.com], I use for the detection of Standard 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. |
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None of the 4 fluorescent bulbs were working in my light fixture so I replaced both ballasts, and put the same bulbs back in. When I turned on the fixture the lamps glowed dim. Did I ruin the ballast by putting the same bulbs back in for less than five minutes? I put four new bulbs in the fixture but they are still dim.
Hi Avery,
Installing the original lamps with new ballasts for a short time should not have caused the ballasts to be ruined. Double check all of the wiring connections to make sure they are correct and the lamps are properly installed.
I hope this helps to get your light fixture working,
Dave
My kitchen fluorescent light has 8 F40 T12’s in them. I replaced all the bulbs. When I turned them on 4 were working right and 4 are just dim and stay dim. No flickering. There are 2 sides with 4 bulbs on each side that have 4 different fixtures. Each fixture has 2 bulbs. Does each separate fixture have a ballast, or are there 2 ballast for all 4?
Confused in Spring,Texas Mike.
Thank you in advance.
Hi Mike,
From what you have described, each 2 light fixture has 1 ballast. With fluorescent lights, if the lamps are allowed to burn out in the socket then there is a great chance that the ballast will need to be replaced along with the lamps. For more about repairing fluorescent light fixtures see this article: http://ask-the-electrician.com/fluorescent-lighting-problems-and-how-to-fix-them/
I hope this helps,
Dave