0

I have a fluorescent light in my bathroom. It used to work fine, but then had issues with it not turning on. I replaced the tube, but it hasn't fixed the issue.

I can get the light to come on if I twist the tube a little bit. After twisting it takes a second but the light then flickers and works. I've taken off the cover and now just twist the light each time, but this isn't a sustainable solution.

Any suggestions on what is wrong and how to fix it?

Improve this question
4
  • 1
    Is this fixture old? Does it have a starter? – Tyson Mar 14 '18 at 0:36
  • It's about 10 years old. No starter. – Matthew van Boheemen Mar 14 '18 at 0:49
  • 1
    probably corroded contacts ... twisting action refreshes the contact – jsotola Mar 14 '18 at 0:58
  • 2
    insufficient ballast voltage causes slow ionization time, interrupting the current raises the voltage momentarily. Time for new ballast perhaps to match new tubes such as tri-phosphor – Tony Stewart Sunnyskyguy EE75 Mar 14 '18 at 1:14
3

The tombstones are defective and this is why you need to twist the bulb.

The tombstones are the bulb connector mounting - I am guessing you have a Bi-Pin although single pins can have the issue they are less susceptible .

You can replace the tombstones, however the price you will pay for the replacement parts and the time to replace them might not make it feasible.

I have had this situation and just replaced the unit with a $24 LED unit.

Improve this answer
1
  • That sounds like the issue. I'm just going to replace the unit with an LED. – Matthew van Boheemen Mar 14 '18 at 23:16
0

Check your wire connections and make sure that you don't have any loose wires. If that doesn't work then I would replace the ballast and I would even replace the lamp ends or at least inspect them.

Improve this answer

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.