Flourscent Lights

I have 2x2 Flourscent lights in my basement mounted in suspended ceiling- They work fine in the winter but will not kick on in the summer. I have replaced the ballasts, switches, and insured that the fixtures were grounded they still won't come on-
sometiomes by flipping the switch on and off they will start- I am about ready to go back to incandescent. Is is related to the colder temps? I have Central Air)

What to do?

 

Most flourscent lights are sensitive to cold temperatures. If the wireway within the fixture gets cold due to A/C in the area, then it is a good bet that that is the problem.
Colder ambient temperatures make fluorescent lamps harder to start. Cold temperatures do not effect ballast performance. The problem of starting a fluorescent lamp in cold temperature relates strictly to the particular characteristics of the lamp in use. Reducing the amount of mercury in a fluorescent lamp makes a lamp harder to start in cold temperatures. Energy Saver or reduced wattage lamps contain less mercury. Energy Saver or reduced wattage lamps generally require 60 degrees F for reliable starting regardless of which ballast is used.

You can buy cold temperature bulbs. You might also try bulb sleeves that slip over the lamp tube and act as a jacket. The sleeve is really for safety if the lamp should break.

 

Thanks ,

I will try to locate "cold temperature bulbs"- I just hope thay have them in a U shape to fit the fixture.