Fluorescent Lighting Repair

This Prepare-Information technology Guide tells how efficient fluorescent lighting works, what oft goes wrong, how to identify a fluorescent lighting problem, and what parts and tools yous will demand to ready it. Information technology then gives step-by-step instructions for fluorescent lighting starter replacement, anchor replacement, and socket replacement. Because they are simple in performance, fluorescent lighting systems are also like shooting fish in a barrel to repair.

How Does Fluorescent Lighting Work?

Fluorescent Lighting Repair

Fluorescent lighting typically is piece of cake to work on with the exception of smaller units that may non allow access to internal parts. If the bulb is okay, only the unit still doesn't piece of work, check the electrical cord and replace the unit as needed.

A fluorescent lighting fixture converts electricity into light by making gas inside a phosphor-lined tube glow. The fluorescent fixture is either wired into the house electrical system or plugged into a nearby receptacle. Electric voltage is delivered to the fluorescent tube by a component called the ballast. When the fixture is turned on, more electricity is needed than during normal operation, so a starter tells the ballast to boost the voltage. Once running, the starter turns off and the anchor maintains the voltage to a lower operating level.

What Can Go Wrong with Fluorescent Lighting?

Any of the primary components of a fluorescent lighting fixture tin can be the source of problems. You may need to learn nearly fluorescent tube replacement, starter replacement, ballast replacement, or socket replacement. Problems with fluorescent lighting systems are relatively easy to diagnose and solve.

Caution!

Be especially careful when handling fluorescent lighting tubes. They are quite delicate and contain phosphor and inert gasses. Don't drop them or permit them hitting a hard surface!

How Can I Identify a Fluorescent Lighting Problem?

  • If the lamp will not light at all, make certain power is on, then try replacing the fluorescent tube. You tin can also test the electrical cord.
  • If the light nevertheless does non piece of work, effort replacing the fluorescent lighting starter (see beneath), then the ballast (see beneath).
  • If the lamp glows dimly, the crusade is either a defective tube or starter.
  • If the ends of the fluorescent tube light, only the middle is dim or dark, the starter or the tube may be defective.
  • If the light flickers, the tube may exist burning out, or the starter or anchor may be defective.
  • If the fluorescent light repeatedly flashes on and off, the tube or the starter may be defective.
  • If the socket doesn't firmly hold the tube, first make sure that the pins are straight. If the pins are not straight, the socket may need replacing.

Ready-Information technology Tip

Because the starter sends high voltage to fluorescent tubes when starting upwardly, tubes wear out faster if they are turned on and off excessively.

What Practise I Need for Fluorescent Lighting Repair?

Virtually replacement parts for fluorescent lighting fixtures are available at larger hardware and lighting stores. The tools yous'll need to fix a fixture include these:

  • Screwdrivers
  • Wrenches
  • Multimeter

What Are the Steps to Fluorescent Lighting Repair?

Replace a fluorescent lighting starter:

  1. Turn off power to the fixture.
  2. Lift the fixture diffuser or cover (if installed) and tubes to admission the starter, a round plug-in component attached near the larger ballast.
  3. Twist out the old starter and replace it with one that has the identical part number and rating. A hardware clerk can assist you select the proper replacement.

Replace a fluorescent lighting ballast:

  1. Turn off ability to the fixture.
  2. Remove the diffuser, tubes, and cover plate.
  3. Place the anchor, a large heavy component often nearly the center of the fixture. Disconnect wires to the anchor and disconnect the anchor from the fixture. Test with a multimeter.
  4. Supersede the anchor with 1 of the same rating equally the quondam unit of measurement. Mount the new ballast and reconnect wires in the same manner every bit they were disconnected.
  5. Replace the encompass plate, tubes, and diffuser.
  6. Plug in or turn on the excursion to verify that the fixture is working.

Supervene upon a fluorescent lighting socket:

  1. Turn off power to the fixture.
  2. Remove the diffuser, tubes, and cover plate.
  3. Disconnect wires from the socket.
  4. Disconnect and remove the socket.
  5. Replace the socket with a duplicate unit of measurement.
  6. Replace the cover plate, tubes, and diffuser.
  7. Plug the calorie-free in or turn on the circuit to verify that the fixture is working.

Fix-It Tip

A ballast is the most expensive component in a fluorescent lighting fixture. If it requires replacement, check the cost of a new fixture; information technology may be less expensive. Because the ballast is a wire transformer you may be able to recycle it as metallic.