Do fluorescent undercabnit lights have ballasts or starters?
#1
09-06-09, 06:12 PM
Do fluorescent undercabnit lights have ballasts or starters?
Do fluorescent undercabnit lights have ballasts or starters? I bought 3 Utilitech #240197 black 20" undercabnet lights about a year ago from Lowes. Had them hardwired in (separatly)... one died right away, the 2nd a few months ago, and now the 3rd went. I tried a new tube, nothing. I do see a faint glow on each end so i beleive its still getting power. Any help appreciated.
#2
09-06-09, 06:24 PM
cheaper to replace and to repair
older under cab has small starters and ballasts, new one have only ballast, often it's cheaper to replace the fixture than to replace the ballast for small under cab florescents
#3
09-06-09, 06:36 PM
Group Moderator
That seams like an awfully short time for a ballast to fail. Are the lamps correct for the ballast installed? Incorrect lamps can cause premature failure of a ballast.
Even though a ballast might cost the same of a new fixture, if the lamps were correct, a quality ballast might be worth the investment.
Even though a ballast might cost the same of a new fixture, if the lamps were correct, a quality ballast might be worth the investment.
#4
09-06-09, 06:47 PM
thanks for your quick responces... the lamps (tubes) came with the unit, 16 watt 17", and i also purchased replacements after those went (didnt work). The unit only cost about $20 new but i bought them on clearance for $6 each!. I cant find another i like so i think it may be worth fixing if possiable. I have one unit down, unscrewed it to open it up but i do not see anything like a ballast. What and where should i be looking for?
#6
09-06-09, 06:59 PM
Group Moderator
It should be a black box looking thing with some wires coming out going to the sockets. There should also be a label on it. Write down all the info on the ballast or better yet remove it (you will have to cut the wires) and bring it with you to get a replacement.
Nice score on the $6 lights!
Nice score on the $6 lights!
#7
09-06-09, 07:25 PM
humm, still not sure, i wish i could post a picture. I see 2 options, one is a black box on each end that the tube actually connects to; or, following the wires, they go to a box that is removable but there is no writing on it, its the first item on the strip.
I think i will just take the whole fixture to the store and see what i can find.
Thanks guys, im glad i came here, you were a great help.
I think i will just take the whole fixture to the store and see what i can find.
Thanks guys, im glad i came here, you were a great help.
#8
09-06-09, 08:02 PM
Group Moderator
You can't post pictures directly to the site. Upload it to a site like photobucket and post the link here. I'm guessing it is the 2nd thing you were describing. It will have the wires from the house connected to them. Good idea about bringing the whole fixture to the store.
#9
09-06-09, 08:52 PM
#15
09-08-09, 06:47 PM
Group Moderator
Not trying to be a downer but I have a feeling that your lights might be a one shot deal since I have not seen a ballast like that. Be sure you bring the lamp too. I'm guessing it is a T5.
#16
09-14-09, 08:42 AM
I agree with Toland, these fixtures look to be essentially a throw-away item. The housing looks way too narrow for an aftermarket ballast to fit. You'd probably be better off buying a heavier-duty commercial quality flourescent fixture with a replaceable ballast.
I have a couple of similar plastic-bodied undercounter flourescent fixtures that use a standard 18" tube, and they have a non-serviceable starter and ballast built into the plastic fixture. If either goes out, the entire fixture is meant to be tossed.
I have a couple of similar plastic-bodied undercounter flourescent fixtures that use a standard 18" tube, and they have a non-serviceable starter and ballast built into the plastic fixture. If either goes out, the entire fixture is meant to be tossed.
