Help with kitchen light or I'm cooking in the dark.

elsien

I have a rather ancient looking fluorescent light in the kitchen which after flicking on and off for a couple of days has finally gone on strike.
I presumed it needed a new starter which I've bought, but can't find where on earth it's meant to go. The only removeable bit I can find is a 3 amp fuse in the middle of the case, which I've replaced to no effect.
So my daft question is, do all fluorescent lights have starter switches, and if so, where is the blasted thing? I've tried to lifting the flaps at each end of the light, but there doesn't seem to be anything under there.
I did wonder about replacing the tubes (one's definitely gone, the other looks ok) but don't want to waste money if the light fitting is knackered.
Help!

tanith

Would this be any help..http://www.oakus.co.uk/westleairb/fluorescenttubes.php

elsien

Where it's showing the starter should be is where my 3 amp fuse is. Perhaps that is all I've got after all.

pompeyfaith

On some after removing the tube you have to remove the cover which is usually held on with two screws and the starter will be under this.

elsien

Cover removed, but still nothing that looks like a starter.
Starting from one end of the tube, there's wires going into a 3 in long cylinder marked C555. Then wiring to 2 big rectangular capacitors. Then another C555 (whatever that is), then the end of the casing.
The light fitting is a crompton sovereign, if that means anything to anyone.

pompeyfaith

Could be one of many

http://www.cromptonlighting.com/cat07/show_fittings.php?subcat=25&id=10

elsien

It's not recognising the code that's inside the casing, so I'm guessing that means it's well and truly obsolete.
Which takes me back to my original question. Is it possible that it doesn't have a starter, and the fuse is all there is?

elsien

Another question - the tubes are T12 65W which I'm told are being phased out. Will the newer narrower ones fit, or am I going to be looking at a new light fitting anyway?

olias

TBH, considering ceiling light fittings can be bought for peanuts these days from the sheds and the unit is that old and obsolete, I would just look at replacing it, particularly if you are able to do it yourself.

By the way, stating the obvious here, but if you don't get it fixed before it gets dark, just stick a table lamp in the kitchen for now - not ideal, but at least you will have some light.

Olias

27col

You might as well get a new fitting. They are not expensive and are easy enough to fit. You will also be able to buy a diffuser to fit as well.