Rapid Start Fluorescent Won't Start

drbojxn · Joined: 23 Feb 2008 Posts: 1

I have a three fluorescent fixtures, each with two FB40 U-bent tubes. They slowly died, as they normally do when the tubes need changing, so I replaced both tubes in each fixture. However, I went from the 40 watt tubes to the 34 watt "energy saver" tubes.

One fixture didn't light. I changed the ballast (Advance R-2S40-1-TP, which is rated for the 34 watt tube). It still didn't light. I measured all voltages. They were within specs (filaments about 3.9 v. and voltage across tubes about 262 v from blue to red, highest reading.) All wiring is correct (red to red, blue to blue, yellow to yellow) and the fixture is grounded. I tried another ballast and still no light. I replaced all sockets with new ones and no light. I switched tubes to ones that were working in another fixture and still no light.

I again checked all voltages and they are fine. I turned off ambient light and saw that all filaments were burning. In the dark, I can see a faint glow in the tubes that increases when I place my hand on the tubes. Also, let me note that the tubes are within a half inch of the grounded metal fixture throughout their entire length.

I'm stumped. Any help would be appreciated because I can't get a replacement fixture and a different fixture will require ceiling repair.

Texman · Joined: 17 Feb 2008 Posts: 6

Sounds like you did everything that could be done.
Maybe try spraying some good electrical contact cleaner on all areas of connection.
You could also try going back to new origanal bulb and ballast if you have not already tried that.

Texman

jholmes · Joined: 23 Mar 2006 Posts: 63 Location: Eagan, MN

This seems like a silly question, but in what temperature is this fixture located? Is it located in lower temperature than the fixture you got the other bulb from?

The reason I ask is if located in cold weather you need a special lamp.

However, I'm assuming the lights are all in the same room. If this is the case then you might have a bad starter in that fixture. The Natural Handyman has good ARTICLE for troubleshooting fluorescent fixtures. You might want to check it out.

Also a good ARTICLE

Based on the info your giving us it seems like it's an older fixture, so I'm leaning towards a defective starter.

JH

	Handyman xChange Forum Index -> Electrical	All times are GMT
Page 1 of 1