How to Repair a Fluorescent Light that Does Not Light

When you have to repair a fluorescent light that won’t light up, you’re lucky; there are a limited number of things that could be the cause. That makes the job much easier. You don’t need any special skill to solve the problem nor any special tools. Much of the process is common sense.

Step 1 - Preparation

The first thing to do before you repair the fluorescent light is to switch off electricity to the fixture. Locate the correct breaker in the circuit breaker box and flip to off. This gives you an extra layer of safety. Now remove the light tube from the light fixture. To do this, you’ll need to twist gently and then pull the tube out.

Step 2 - Contacts

The problem could lie with the contacts on the fluorescent tube. If they’re dirty, the light might not work. Inspect them and then sand them lightly with sandpaper to clean them. Straighten them carefully if they’re bent. When you’ve done that, wipe with a clean cloth and return the tube to the fixture. Turn on the electricity and switch on the light. If it doesn’t work, reverse the ends of the tube. This might repair the fluorescent fixture. If not, try a fresh fluorescent tube. If this doesn’t work, switch off the electricity at the breaker again and remove the tube.

Step 3 - Starter

Use a screwdriver to disassemble the points where the tube joins the fixture. In one of these you’ll find the starter. This is shaped like a small can. Take it out and replace it with a new one. If you’re not certain which starter you need, take the old one to the hardware store and ask the clerk for advice.

Put end ends back on and reinstall the bulb. Switch the electricity back on then try the fixture once more. If it only needed a new starter, the repair of the fluorescent light is complete. If not, you’ll need to try other things.

Step 4 - Ballast

If you have a newer type of fluorescent fixture, it won’t have ballast, and you’ll need to replace the entire fixture. With an older model, look for the ballast in the fixture, beneath the fluorescent tube. It will be held in place by a pair of wire nuts. Remove these with your pliers and slide the ballast out. Replace it with fresh ballast, checking that it’s right for your fixture. Tighten the nuts to hold it in place.

Replace the fluorescent tube and switch the electricity back on at the breaker. Switch the light on to see if it lights. If it does, the repair of the fluorescent light is done. In virtually all instances, these steps will solve the problem with the fluorescent light fixture. Where it doesn’t, the best option is to replace the entire fixture. These are cheap and easy to install in just a few minutes.