Fluorescent lights give long lasting light to a space, although they can be a hassle. If your fluorescent lights are not working properly, it might take a few extra steps to fix the issue. At Tim Kyle Electric, a North Laurel electrician company, we can troubleshoot why your fluorescent lights are flickering and ensure they’re operating correctly.
Tips to Fix Flickering Fluorescent Lights
The most difficult part of fixing fluorescent lights is figuring out why they are flickering. The issue is usually caused by the starter, tubes, or ballast. If you have a fixture that’s 15 years old, it most likely has a starter. Many modern fluorescent light fixtures do not include starters. Look for a grey metal cylinder attached to the frame of the light fixture behind the bulbs. A defective one can cause flickering or complete darkness.
Sometimes the problem is caused by a loose connection. Jiggle and twist the faulty tube to see if this fixes the flickering issue. You’ll also want to inspect the tubes to see if there are any dark tubes. This means they are nearing their life span and need to be replaced. To test a tube, remove it and plug it into a different fixture that you know works. If you have a fixture with multiple tubes, it only takes one of them to make the rest flicker. Make sure you test new fluorescent tubes before buying them.
Lastly, the most common and expensive issue involves the ballast. The ballast controls the current coursing through the tubes to produce a balanced amount of light. When it wears out or malfunctions, the lights flicker. In some cases, it is cheaper to replace the light fixture than to replace the ballast. Contact your local electrician for assistance and advice.
A Professional Electrician Can Help
Contact Tim Kyle Electric, the North Laurel electrician, to help inspect any persistent flickering fluorescent lights. We put in as much effort changing a lightbulb as we do with entire electrical rewiring or renovations. For more information about our services or for a free estimate, contact us today!