Tube Lights - Help???

AMO

Hi all,

Not sure the technical term for them, but I am replacing one of those long tube lights in my kitchen.

Since getting the house, one thing has baffled me - it doesn't have a slow for changing the starter switch.

2 years ago, when switching on the tube light, you can see light at the ends of the tube but it never comes completely on. I bought a replacement tube light and everything was fine.

Last week I had the same problem. However, when I replaced the tube light, I have the same problem.

Is it the starter switch that is placed somewhere else that needs replacing or is it that I've got a dodgy replacement tube light or something else?

Thanx

AMO

amarg

Sometimes the starters are inside of the housing and you have to remove the cover to get at it.

AMO

Thanx.

I have removed the outer light shade thing to get at the tube.

To get at anything else I have to unscrew the support.

Is this correct?

Thanx

AMO

nalyo

possibly....however the starter is usually in an easily accesible place?? you may well have a dodgey tube?

ic

If you're opening up the fitting, make sure the lights circuit is switched off at the fuse box - there are still live electrics up at the light fitting, even though the light switch is off.

TimBuckTeeth

It is possible that it uses an electronic ballast (usually in a plastic box) that does not need a starter. If so then it could be bust and the whole fitting needs replacing.
If it hums slightly when on then it uses a standard choke ballast (a metal lump) and there will be a starter in there somewhere.

AMO

I was told that most likely mine is a new style tube and does not need a starter switch.

Well I'll get a replacement and see how it goes.

Thanks for the replies.

AMO