What is wrong with my neon lights?
Question:I have 48 inch neon lights in my bathroom. I replaced them with new ones, so I know it is not the bulbs.
When I put the new bulbs in there is a predictable pattern of the lights. There is a low glow at both ends that is brown. I lightly tap the larger diameter one (t12) and it lights up normal. The smaller diameter( t8) is flashing after I lightly tap it.
What is wrong and how do I fix it?
Answers:
the ballast is bad.. go to lowe's or home depot and you can get them for about $13 or more depending on how fast you want them to ignite. i have replaced mine and several for friends over the years...very easy to do. don;t even have to take down the fixture.just take out bulbs and remove the center panel and you will see it. oh yeah if it is an older one, they have starters that are just these capacitor looking things that go in there for a few bucks. otherwise get the ballast and change it out.
All neon lights, fluorescent, have a ballast (transformer) that steps up the line voltage. You may have a bad ballast and you need to replace it. If you have old technology fluorescent lamps, you may need to replace the starter. It's a small replaceable cylinder thing. Or, you just may have loose wiring. If you have no knowledge of electrical wiring find a friend who does to help you.
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