Noisy switch, old fixture.
#1
01-23-14, 02:20 PM
Noisy switch, old fixture.
I replaced a switch. It controlled a very old fluorescent fixture. The new switch periodically made a slight pop when toggled. I figured I got a noisy switch and it was arcing.
Few weeks later I replaced the fixture. When I pulled it down I noticed the ballast was extremely old the and the leads were fabric covered wire that was extremely brittle. Perhaps a little exposed wiring as well.
The new fixture went up and the switch is no longer noisy.
Perhaps I was hearing the fixture? Could an old fixture cause this type of thing?
Few weeks later I replaced the fixture. When I pulled it down I noticed the ballast was extremely old the and the leads were fabric covered wire that was extremely brittle. Perhaps a little exposed wiring as well.
The new fixture went up and the switch is no longer noisy.
Perhaps I was hearing the fixture? Could an old fixture cause this type of thing?
#2
01-23-14, 03:49 PM
More than likely the old ballast was failing and drawing a lot more current than it should have been. The new fixture most likely has an electronic ballast - which not only draws less, but is less likely to cause arcing within the circuit than an old-style magnetic.
