O.T. Flouresent lites

I am by no means a electrician, but one of the things I have learned through trial and error is that them flourescent lights require a good ground. I had to replace one a year or so ago at my lady's shop that the manager had replaced less than a year before that was always giving her problems and couldn't keep light bulbs for any time at all. I found that the grounds were of less than desirable condition/connection. We put in new fixtures...same brand from same store. There have been no problems at all with the lights.

Like I stated, I am in no way considered an electrician, but if the grounds are not good, for some reason it'll shorten the life of the bulbs and knock out the ballast quickly.

Jim

I would put a voltmeter on the line and read voltage as the switch is closed. At that instant you will most likey see low voltage input to the ballast indicating high resistance in the circuit.

T_Bone

1. Usually you have problems in the winter and have to have a special bulb to to operate below 50F.

2. Some hanging lights have a warning that they are not designed to be flush mounted.....have to hang below the ceiling. Ok that means that something in there will overheat. Ok so insulation melts and if the wire is touching the case or something else it shorts out and blows the breaker.

Other than that I can't imagine what would cause you a problem in summer.

Mark

Several types of flourescent bulbs are spec'd to "be mounted within 1/2" of a grounded metal reflector", and having a proper ground to the fixture often DOES affect how well they "start".