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Troubleshooting Fluorescent Light Fixtures

Problem 1

• Bulb Doesn’t Light

Diagnosis 1

1. Bulb is loose; pins aren’t making contact with fixture terminals.
2. Bulb is burned out.
3. Terminals are corroded.
4. Lamps are dirty.
5. Bulb is cold.
6. End pins are broken or bent.
7. Starter/ballast is defective.

Solution 1

1. Reinstall lamp.
2. Replace bulb.
3. Clean terminals.
4. Remove lamps and wash them.
5. Remove old ballast and install cold-rated ballast.
6. Replace bulb.
7. Replace starter/ballast.

Problem 2

• Bulb Flickers

Diagnosis 2

1. Bulb is loose; pins aren’t making contact with fixture terminals.
2. Bulb is cold.

Solution 2

1. Reinstall lamp.
2. Allow enough time for ballast.

Problem 3

• Bulb Discoloration

Diagnosis 3

1. Bulb is worn out.
2. Starter/ballast is defective.

Solution 3

1. Replace bulb.
2. Replace starter/ballast.

Problem 4

• Humming

Diagnosis 4

1. Loose ballast wires.
2. Ballast is incorrect.

Solution 4

1. Secure wire connectors.
2. Replace with correct ballast type.

Loose bulbs or connections are common problems with fluorescent fixtures. Test a fixture using a bulb known to be working. Inspect connection terminals, and clean off dirt or corrosion. Typical fluorescent lights are designed for warm areas, and their ballasts may not function below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. For unheated spaces it’s best to install cold-rated ballasts. Another common problem is a broken or bent tube pin or fixture terminal. Also, dirt and dust affects the phosphorous coating and may cause the lamps not to work. Excessively dirty lamps should be removed, washed with soapy water, rinsed, dried, and reinstalled about every 6 months. Inspect ballasts and starters, too. If a bulb flickers or won’t turn on, the ballast may be defective or the starter module may have failed. In either case, replace the defective part.