Fluorescent T12 testing help...new fixture
#1
04-12-19, 10:40 PM
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Fluorescent T12 testing help...new fixture
Had a 1 tube 24" T12. Replaced w/ a 48" T12 double-tube AND new bulbs. No light after install. Circuit tester probe lights showing live circuit/power from jnxn box down to each bulb terminal block. Multimeter shows around 6V on BOTH AC and DC setting for all 4 bulb sockets in fixture. So...I bungled something, or bad ballast? Or a better test I should do? Thanks ya'll! (Can return to Lowe's, fyi)
#2
04-13-19, 06:22 AM
If you have 120 volts between the black and white ballast power wires and new tubes then the ballast is bad. There is no test I am aware of for ballasts other than to try new tubes and verify the input volts.
#4
04-13-19, 11:03 AM
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I would not bother testing and would convert it to LED. You can get line (120 VAC) powered LED bulbs. You toss your ballast and rewire the fixture according to the instructions with the LED bulbs.
#5
04-13-19, 10:03 PM
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The one I bought was corded with a three-prong plug on the end. I cut the plug off and connected Earth to Earth and then one wire here one wire there. This may be my oversight and here's my question, sounding stupid or the more I think about it now, but of the other two wires in the cord does it or does it not matter which one goes where? If so, a Ia Indiana Jones, I chose poorly. .. and there is only one other option.
#6
04-13-19, 10:07 PM
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Got to love pilot Dane, there's one in every forum. Well-meaning but a little out in left field at the same time. Somebody asks how to make the perfect chocolate cake and rather than answer the question they wanted tell you how overrated chocolate cake is and lead You down some of the road. Double tube T12 are far from archaic and they're fixtures and technology are extremely affordable. I quadrupled my lighting for $25 and a space that is about 15 x 5. This will be sufficient, more than sufficient. Thank you though. All in fun, mind you. :-)
#7
04-14-19, 06:41 AM
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Except the cost of running the T12 fixture will end up costing you more in the long run. LEDs typically use 60-75% less energy and produce more light.
Your connection shouldn't matter as it is A/C power.
Your connection shouldn't matter as it is A/C power.
#8
04-14-19, 09:50 AM
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Pilot Dane gave you some good information. Sure, T-12 lamps are still available since manufacturing ceased in I believe 2013 and they'll continue to be available for some time, but at what cost? I expect T-12 lamps to go the route of R-12 refrigerant and still be available, but increasingly expensive as time goes on. I remember T-12 lamps costing 99 cents each and the last time I checked they were up to around $3 each. The cost of a replacement ballast for this 80 year old technology is probably about the same as two new LED retrofit lamps.
#9
04-14-19, 10:16 PM
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My point, my question, the facts were lost here. Question circumvented. 5x10 laundry space with 4x lighting. One set of bulbs lasts a lifetime. Light is off for 2-5 days at a time. Overkill for the budget, for the space in question. Thanks though. Answer question first. Offer alternative info/options second. Don't assume we all have no clue, pls. I chose what I did for a reason, but no one asked. No harm, no foul. I'll return it and try again. Bad impressions aside, I DO thank you, gents!
#10
05-23-19, 11:38 PM
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Unit was bad. Haha! Good for me...i DID actually know what I was doing! :-) Thanks to all for the assistance.
#11
05-24-19, 04:09 AM
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