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Repairing Fluorescent LightsBy Jim Sulski Summary: Fluorescent lights are long lasting, bright and very energy efficient - but, they can drive you crazy when they are not working correctly. Jim gives advice on how to repair or replace fluorescent lights in your home. As a lighting source, fluorescent fixtures are extremely energy efficient
compared to incandescent lights, long lasting and highly illuminating. There's nothing more aggravating, however, than a fluorescent light that doesn't operate, has difficulty starting, flickers or isn't as bright as it once was. When that happens, the do-it-yourselfer has two choices: Replace the entire fixture, or try to repair it, a task that can be a lot simpler and a lot less expensive than installing a new light. If the fluorescent light is a built-in fixture recessed in say a basement ceiling, it can be a major effort to remove. As a result, it's always easier to replace a part than the entire light. Certain fluorescent fixtures, such as those found in bathroom medicine chests or on appliances, meanwhile, are almost impossible to replace. They can usually only be repaired. On the other hand, if the fluorescent fixture is a shop light that hangs from a couple of chains and plugs into an electrical outlet, it may be more conducive time-wise to buy a new fixture. When a fluorescent fixture isn't operating correctly, there are a number of easy steps you can take to determine what it may be ailing from: Begin with the bulb itself. Fluorescent tubes start to deteriorate over time, so if the light has been acting up over the last few weeks, there's a good chance the culprit is the tube. Unplug the lamp or switch it off and remove the bulb from the fixture by twisting it about a quarter-turn and then lowering it out of the tabs or sockets that hold the tube. On less-common single pin type fluorescent tubes, you need to push one end of the tube in while lowering the other end out in order to remove it. If the ends of the tube are dark looking, than the tube is losing its life. At that point, the tube is drawing down on the transformer, wearing that out. So it's time to replace it. Sometimes, repositioning a loose tube is all it takes to make it operate properly. If the light is still not working, next check the fixture's starter, if it has one. Most older fluorescent fixtures have a starter. Starters, small cylinders with two peg legs on the bottom, are recessed into the fixture near one end of the bulb. Cut off the power to the fixture and remove the bulb to access the starter. Gently press down on the starter and turn it to the right to see if it's correctly positioned. If it seems to click into place, replace the bulb and try the light again. If the lamp fails, or only the ends of the fluorescent tube lights, replace the starter. Remove the bulb again and press down on the starter, this time turning it to the left to remove it. If a new starter doesn't engage the light, the problem may be a broken terminal or socket, which the fluorescent tube snaps into. Cut off the power to the lamp, remove the bulb and closely inspect the terminals for cracks or signs of wear. Also, if the bulb feels loose in the terminals, they probably need to be replaced. Replacement terminals are less expensive than a new fluorescent fixture - about $2. To best match up replacement terminals, remove the old ones. On newer fixtures,
terminals may snap out of the fixtures. To remove the terminals, you may have
to open up one end of the fixture. On older fixtures, the terminals are usually held down by the mounting screws at the base of the terminals. Remove the screws to release the terminals from the fixture. Then, disconnect the two wires running to the terminal. On terminals with push-in wire connectors, insert a small screwdriver into the release slot next to the wire. After purchasing the replacement terminals, restrip the ends of the wires and insert them into the new socket. Then reassemble the light. Another common problem with fluorescent lights are the ballasts or transformers. When these burn out you will smell an acrid smell. Other signs of defective ballast include a loud buzzing sound when the light is on, or bulbs that only light at the ends. Ballasts are a bit more expensive to replace - as much as $20 or $30 - but
still may be a better deal than replacing the entire fixture, especially those
recessed in a ceiling. © by Jim Sulski. All rights reserved. February 3, 2005. NOTE: This column is distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate, PO Box 366, Glencoe, Illinois, 60022. This column may not be resold, reprinted, resyndicated or redistributed without written permission from the publisher. © 2005 by Ilyce R. Glink. Distributed by Real Estate Matters Syndicate. |
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