Why are our two pair in two fixtures flourescent bulbs dim?
by
Cub30160505
+6
What is causing two separate pairs of fluorescent bulbs in separate fixtures in one ceiling mount to be dim. Changing the bulbs has not resolved the issue. I have not yet explored the electrical components to determine the cause of the problems.
The fixtures are about eighteen years old. I don't know how they are wired into the house electrical system. But, it seems odd to me that both are sets of lights are dim. As far as I can tell each fluorescent fixture has its own respective components.
Thanks for any assistance.
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Hi Cubby! This has happened to me before and I had to replace the dim ones. Then, there was bright light! I hope this solves your lighting problem.
Elizabeth
All fluorescent bulbs are not the same. Even if two bulbs, for example the "old" one that you removed from the fixture, and the "new" one you replaced it with both fit the same fixtures, if they are not exactly the same brand, and have exactly the same marking numbers their light output can vary due to many reasons:
-some bulbs are cool light, some are warm light
- some are natural light, some are daylight
- some are color correcting for different colors of walls, so a blue-based bulb does not make a yellow wall look greeny, use a yellow-based bulb
The best advice I can say from personal experience is to buy 2 exactly the same bulbs from the same source, at the same time.
Due to normal use over time, the plastic covering of the fixture could be discolored beyond cleaning, which could also contribute to dimmer light.
Although it is possible to purchase replacement covers, it may not be cost effective compared with switching to LED fixtures altogether.
If old, the starter? Change it, cost less and is easy to do.
Sounds like the fluorescent balise is going out. You can install new. It's fairly easy to do, even if you have the least amount of electrical experience.
I agree that the ballast needs to be changed. The newer bulbs aRe energy efficient.