A fluorescent lamp is a type of light bulb that produces light by heating two small elements in the ends of its tube. Fluorescent lamps produce less heat than incandescent bulbs, reducing air conditioning costs and energy consumption in buildings where they are used.
They use about one-fifth the power of an equivalent incandescent bulb and last much longer. They also are less costly to buy and maintain.
When a fluorescent lamp fails, it can often be traced to a faulty starter, a ballast, or a single bulb. It’s important to troubleshoot the problem as soon as possible before it gets out of hand.
First, check to make sure that the circuit has power. If it doesn’t, switch off the circuit’s fuse or trip the circuit breaker. Then, if the fluorescent lamp still won’t turn on, check for a defective starter or a dead ballast.
If the lamp does turn on, the first thing you’ll need to do is replace the starter. You can find starters in some older fixtures, but they’re not always easy to locate. Some old fixtures have starters that are hidden underneath the bulbs, so you’ll need to remove them.
Starters work by triggering the two electrodes at the end of the tube when mains is applied. A starter is a metal strip in a glass envelope that contains an inert gas. As the mains is applied, the starter opens and ionizes the gas in the tube to produce an arc of electric current.
The arc is then transmitted through the lamp, through the filaments, and out the right-hand prong of the socket. If the starter is defective, it won’t open and the tube won’t light.
Most modern fluorescent lamps do not require starters, but you should be able to identify them by looking for a metal strip in a glass envelope with two bimetallic contacts. You’ll also want to look for a starter in a fixture that is 15 years or older because most older fixtures have starters, and they are typically hidden under the bulbs or under the covers.
If you cannot see a starter, then you may need to replace the entire fixture. If you need to replace the fixture, it’s best to hire a professional electrician because they will know exactly how to get the job done and can avoid any potential problems.
Once you have the fixture properly wired, you can install a new bulb. Be sure to choose a brand-name replacement that is comparable to the existing bulb. This is especially important if you’re replacing a high-output bulb, such as a MR16 or MR11, since the type of bulb will affect the voltage needed to operate the new tube.
Another option is to install an LED fluorescent tube. You can find these in stores and online. They come in a variety of styles, so you should be able to find one that works well in your fixture.
These tubes aren’t compatible with all fluorescent ballasts, so be sure to check the spec sheet or PDF for compatibility. If you’re unsure, talk to a qualified electrician before attempting the installation of a ballast bypass fluorescent replacement. You’ll be glad you did!