New house, seller had some electrical issues to resolve with the detached garage after closing. These lights worked previously after their repair for a week or so, but the other night after use, and then five minutes later, all three only glow purple on the ends. This occurred after a heavy ran, the power runs from the house in conduit, I do not see any evidence of recently disturbed earth. Each is wired from a single junction box into three separate switches for each light. I tried testing with a new bulb, same issue.



The main power wire runs into the junction, two runs out, one to the two far right lights, and the second into the light on the right. Hot runs into each switch, I assume they're wired parallel. I don't think one bad ballast or switch would cause all the others to not light? I did some electrical helper work in my early days but long since forgot the more advanced wiring methods.

 

Do you have a multi meter? In the garage check the hot to ground and neutral to ground for voltage. This will help determine if the problem is in the underground wiring or in the garage.

 

I did, if I can find it but the bro-law is an electrician, I'll borrow his.

I forgot to mention that the outlets all work, wired from the same source.



Just odd all three florescent lights went out at the exact same time.

Which has me worried there's an underlying issue.

Thanks for the prompt reply

 

Sounds like a loose connection . Check the power to the switches.

 

Thanks gents, I'll do some diagnostics tomorrow. Luckily Lowe's has their lights on sale for $13 if needed.

 

Yea, if the outlets are working properly it's something relating to just that circuit. Since you recently did work on that circuit a loose connection is possible.

 

Fixtures on sale for $13 probably take T-12 lamps and you wouldn't want them. T-12 lamps haven't been manufactured since 2013 and the remaining stocks are getting more expensive by the day.

 

I seriously doubt two or three fixtures all went bad at the same time. I think you have a loose connection .

 

I seriously doubt two or three fixtures all went bad at the same time. I think you have a loose connection .

 

I agree







I agree ..............................

 

Well gents, appears I have mechanical ballast and after some good hard flicks, I can get them going.
I'll swap over to the electronic ballast soon. I appreciate all the feedback and suggestions.
Spence

 

If you have magnetic ballasts you obviously also have T12 lamps. For the price of new electronic ballasts and T8 lamps you can probably just buy new fixtures with electronic ballasts and T8 lamps.