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Help troubleshooting flourescent circuit

J

jose bagge

Well-known Member
I have 6 flourescent fixtures in the suspended ceiling of my basement, all on the same circuit. I rarely go down there, so I didn't see the sequence of events here, but the kids started saying it was awful dark in the basement. NONE of the fixtures are lighting properly, the bulbs are all dim. I replaced nearly every bulb, no change. I can not believe I have 6 bad ballasts- what am I looking for here?
 

Well, first to come to mind is, if they were installed at the same time, all turn on at the same time, they must all have the same amount of hours on them, they could all be going out at the same time...? I've got the same problem in my wife's shop. Seems the lights just don't last very long anymore. They're all out again and I just replaced tubes not very long ago......
 
I would guess you lost the Neutral either at the panel or in the junction box where they all come out of and it is finding a partial path through a ground somewhere.. Be careful. If this is the case since the shock from a "loaded" neutral is potentially worse than one from just the hot since it is trying to complete a circuit, with several amps on it, through you.
 
All the same age and the same Home Depot junk...I guess it's
possible their all bad, and the ballast is nearly as expensive as
the whole fixture. I'm hoping I'm overlooking something
simple...
 
Do yourself a favor and replace all the ballasts with electronic. You can replace a 40 watt tube with a 32 watt tube and get more light. And they will all come on with no delay. Some of the best money I've spent.

Ichabod
 
Fluorescent tubes grow dim with age.Check the voltage on that circuit.Should read 120v if less you may have a 240 breaker or fuse open.The circuit may be feeding through a water heater element.Low air temperature affects fluorescents, always has.
 
IF you have access to the ceiling look at the first fixture or junction box that receives the power. I think that is where you will find your problem. It does sound like you have a loose conection. Check the voltage there, it should be about 120 volts between the hot and the neutral and about the same volts between the hot and bare ground. If you dont have that at the first j box then you will have to trace the wire back to the panel and look for your problem.

The thoughts about changing to the T8 lamps and ballasts is a good one, it will pay for itself over time. If you dont feel good about working on the circut when it is hot call an electrican. Good luck, your problem should be fairly easy to fing.
 
denny 5 got it right. personally, i doubt its worth the expense to change out the fixtures prematurely. be careful.
 
About 25 years ago, my boss had a similar problem in his garage. I can't remember what was wrong, but I remember checking around and finding that the entire ceiling grid, and the tracks for one of the garage doors was hot.
 
A new 40w tube costs 1 buck around here.I can buy some for 59 cents each.I gave you the answer, go check it out.Voltage should be 120.There are no 110 circuits now.My 220 line run 242 volts.
 
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