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How do you tell if a fluorescent ballast is bad?
If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast:
- Flickering.
- Buzzing.
- Delayed start.
- Low output.
- Inconsistent lighting levels.
- Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp.
- Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.
Why do fluorescent tubes turn black?
Page top photo: blackening visible at one or both ends of a fluorescent bulb means that the bulb is at or near the end of its life.
What happens when a ballast fails?
But there is a good chance your ballast could be the cause of your lighting woes if your lights are dim, buzzing, changing colors, or flickering rapidly. You should check all parts of the fixture, including the bulbs. If the bulbs fail to light up, then 9 out of 10 times the ballast is culprit.
Why does my fluorescent light keep burning out?
There are many possible reasons why a light bulb burns out quickly: The power supply voltage may be too high. Bulbs may be loose or connected improperly. Excessive vibrations may be causing the filament to break.
When should fluorescent bulbs be replaced?
Typical lamp life for a fluorescent bulb is about 20,000 hours, but this can degrade as a consequence of frequent switching (turning on and off). Burning life is extended if lamps remain on continuously for long periods of time.
How long does fluorescent ballast last?
According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.
Do fluorescent ballasts go bad?
When your fluorescent light flickers or makes a loud and annoying hum, a degrading ballast is the cause. The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly.
Why do fluorescent lamps fail to work?
Another reason why a fluorescent lamp may fail to work is that there’s a problem with the ballast. You can tell your ballast may be malfunctioning is if the light begins to diminish or starts to blink at a rapid pace.
What are the symptoms of a bad ballast on a fluorescent light?
Another sign can be if the fluorescent lamp stops working very abruptly — most of the symptoms of a malfunctioning lamp happen over a long period of time, which is why a lamp that just suddenly cuts out may be an indicator of a ballast problem.
What causes a ballast to go bad?
Causes of Ballast Failure. When it’s too hot or too cold, the ballast can burn or fail to start your lamps at all. Heat combined with prolonged condensation inside an electronic ballast can cause corrosion. Some people may suggest removing the parts of the ballast casing and cleaning the electrical board.
What happens when a fluorescent tube runs out of mix?
When it runs out of emission mix, though, the fluorescent tube isn’t able to fulfill the electron need, and oftentimes turns black at the ends from overheating and disintegration of the electrodes. Now, you may think the more a fluorescent lamp is used, the more mix will be lost.