Hi All,

I've got a fluorescent light outlet in one of my closets that seems dead. It is for a short (20" I think) fluorescent bulb. A new bulb placed in the lighting fixture will emit some grayish light from the sides of the bulb connected to the outlet. If I turn and angle the bulb the right way, it will light up for about half a second. Does this mean that I need to change the lighting fixture. Can anyone tell me how to do this? The only thing similar that I have ever done is to change a dimmer switch.

Thanks!

 

Ok, turn off the power to the fixture, take the lamp out. The you should be able to figure out how the cover to the raceway comes off, some snap on, some have a screw on one end. Unhook the wires to the power supply, then unscrew it from the ceiling.

 

but them i am left with loose wires. what do i do next?

 

On those small fixtures the replacement parts are generally more expensive then purchasing a new unit.
If you had a short the more common outcome of it would be tripping the breaker as you don't have that happening it is a safe bet we can rule out short. Before removing the fixture you can take an look at the end wher it clips on the lamp are they ok (no breaks) Does the replacement lamp fit in the clips tight or very loose?
Are you sure you have the proper replacement for the fixture?

You can remove the cover of the fixture and check to make sure all connections are tight and secure. If when you remove the cover you see black tar like substance on the cover then the ballast is most likely no good. If the ballast is very hot it is also an indication its shot. As I said replacement is usually cheaper then parts.
To replace take not of which wires are connected to the light at the moment and use that as a gudeline for installing a new unit.