I have a number of fluorescent lights under kitchen wall cupboards. Two are flashing at the moment, but one stops and works normally when I remove the small starter (Chinese).
Does it harm a fluorescent tube to run it without the starter? Do these symptoms mean the starter is faulty?
How does one tell if the fault lies with starter or tube?
(The light fittings are from Hera Lighting.)
When the starter is removed the light runs, but when you switch it off and on again it needs the starter to light up. Yes, the starter is faulty.
Can happen if the starter is for a much lower power tube than the actual tube in use. Might have drifted out of spec, although they normally drift the other way.
then the rube is good, the starter faulty or the wrong wattage
no
Sort of. The 3rd cause of flashing is a bad tube, but you don't have that here.
Replacement or deduction.
NT
Test tube by swapping them around. almost certainly the tube is the problem in my experience. Brian
You might think that, but its not been my experience. It has something to do with the current used by the tube that is allowing the system to think its not struck yet. Brian
As I said, moving tubes around should prove which it is for you. I'd be surprised if its the starters unless you are unlucky enough to have a dodgy batch that are not quite right for the holding current of the tube as mentioned earlier, they normally go the other way as they age. This sort of thing is why electronic ballasts were invented. Brian
Not really true in the case of electronic ballasts. Elimination of a starter switch was merely a side benefit. You'd have been more accurate if you'd referred to electronic starter switches instead (electronic drop in replacement for the traditional neon and bi-metal starter switch).
Have something to add? Share your thoughts — no account required.
Ask the community — no account required