Very strange Fluorescent fixture problem
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Very strange Fluorescent fixture problem
I have a very perplexing phenomenon regarding a fluorescent fixture in my kitchen (2 40W tubes, rapid start).
The fixture was working fine. I took it down to try another fixture in its place, and eventually replaced the original fixture.
When I did, the tubes would not light fully. When I replaced it, the wiring was the same as when I'd removed it--white to white, black to black, ground connected.
In desperation, I did some experimenting, and wired white to black. Again the tubes would not light up fully. But I discovered that if I did not connect the ground wire, and instead touched it briefly to ground, it sparked, and the tubes became fully it!
What is going on here? And how do I make thix fixture operate correctly, as it did before I removed it? Thanks.
The fixture was working fine. I took it down to try another fixture in its place, and eventually replaced the original fixture.
When I did, the tubes would not light fully. When I replaced it, the wiring was the same as when I'd removed it--white to white, black to black, ground connected.
In desperation, I did some experimenting, and wired white to black. Again the tubes would not light up fully. But I discovered that if I did not connect the ground wire, and instead touched it briefly to ground, it sparked, and the tubes became fully it!
What is going on here? And how do I make thix fixture operate correctly, as it did before I removed it? Thanks.
#2
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Sounds the like the fixture is not grounded. Remove paint from under the grounding screw so that the ground wire makes a good connection to the fixture housing.
#4
I discovered that if I did not connect the ground wire, and instead touched it briefly to ground, it sparked, and the tubes became fully it!
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CasualJoe: difference between T8s and T12s?
I know that of course they are different diameters, but other than that, is there any advantage of T8 bulbs (and the fixtures that use them, of course) over T12s?
#7
CasualJoe: difference between T8s and T12s?
I know that of course they are different diameters, but other than that, is there any advantage of T8 bulbs (and the fixtures that use them, of course) over T12s?
I know that of course they are different diameters, but other than that, is there any advantage of T8 bulbs (and the fixtures that use them, of course) over T12s?
#9
T12 fluorescents come in a variety of colors. FYI.
I was not aware that T12s were being phased out.
QUOTE]The U.S. Department of Energy has announced energy-efficiency legislation that will impact the manufacture of several types of bulbs and lamps. The legislation goes into effect on July 14, 2012 for fluorescent and PAR lamps. After this date, most T12 and many PAR lamps will no longer be manufactured. The legislation will not affect T8 lamps until 2014.[/QUOTE]
2012 Lighting Legislation - Grainger Industrial Supply
The legislation has been stalled several times, I am not sure if it has finally happened or not and don't really care except for the fact I'll have to change several ballasts in my basement and garage.