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… |
Fluorescent Light Fixture
Question: Why is our fluorescent light fixture dim?
- 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 in Maine.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Dave.
Dim Fluorescent Light Bulbs and Bad Lighting Ballast
- 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.
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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