8 foot fluorescent fixture problem


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Old 09-14-19, 06:30 AM
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8 foot fluorescent fixture problem

I installed an old fixture in the basement. However, the lights would not come on brightly.....they were dim and dull...not fully powered. I replaced the ballast and then the bulbs only to get the same result.
What could be causing this problem ?
 
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Old 09-14-19, 08:23 AM
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Assuming the circuit and fixture wiring is good, the only thing left is the bulbs, but, although you probably don't want to hear this after buying a new ballast, I would either convert the fixture you have to LED's or, since it's just one fixture, maybe just buy a new LED one. As long as you use LED's with internal drivers it's a straight shot for the power, no need for a ballast. Longer life, less power consumption, brighter, and less maintenance.
 
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Old 09-14-19, 09:01 AM
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Tell us about how you installed it. There could be an issue with the install.
 
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Old 09-14-19, 01:59 PM
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The only issue with the install could be the grounding. I was unable to ground to a pipe....so it was with a screw into the floor joists.
 
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Old 09-14-19, 02:22 PM
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You said you replaced the ballast and bulbs. Were both new or did you install a used ballast and bulbs?
 
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Old 09-14-19, 02:28 PM
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I was unable to ground to a pipe....so it was with a screw into the floor joists
How is grounding to wood going to work? You should have a ground path in the wiring.
 
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Old 09-16-19, 06:38 AM
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A new ballast and bulbs were used in the replacement.
 
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Old 09-16-19, 11:49 AM
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It is possible the new ballast is bad but first I would double check your wiring. Especially, if you were converting from an old magnetic style (heavy) ballast to a more modern electronic one.
 
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Old 09-16-19, 11:55 AM
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Rapid-start fluorescent lamps REQUIRE a grounded, metallic reflector (or similar) within one inch of the tubes for reliable lighting. You need a metallic connection from the reflector to an electrically grounded metal object or back to the circuit breaker enclosure.

Running the grounding conductor to a piece of wood will do nothing.
 
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Old 09-20-19, 04:05 PM
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Thanks for that Furd. I connected to an old junction box that only had 2 connectors. There was no ground wire connection. I wonder if I connect the ground wire to the box or to the copper plumbing ?
 

Last edited by syswizard; 09-20-19 at 05:42 PM.
 

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