tube light not working

Euphoria1z

Hi

my garage tube light has stopped working, only one end has a orange coloured glowing light when you switch it on but the tube doesn't light up...I thought it would be a simple case of replacing the starter but I cant see a starter???

im going to look at it properly tomorrow but if it doesn't have a starter then will it have a ballast?

reason I ask is looking at you tube videos on how to replace a ballast they all seem American/European? do we have ballasts here in the UK or will there be a starter somewhere hidden ?

Thanks

Wi88le

Try changing the tube first.

There may or may not be a starter depending upon the light fitting, some are electronic and don't have separate starters, if it has one it will be on the side of the fitting or under the tube.
Starter will be small cylinder about the size of a ten pence piece on the top of it, small turn the right way and it should pull out, beware there are different ones for different size fluorescent tubes.

Be careful removing the tube, newer lights will need turning 90 degrees, older ones had end caps that hinged away (and be careful when you dispose of the tube, nasty stuff in there.)

Myser

Yes, we most certainly do have ballasts here in the UK

If it's a fairly old fitting the starter and ballast may be under a metal cover under the tube.

Euphoria1z

well ive taken the tube light of and cant see starter, just a metal casing on one side and wires on the other...

if I replace the tube light and it still doesn't work, will fitting a new ballast be straight forward? the tube light didn't turn so I had to push the end caps apart to remove it as mentioned by above poster.

is there no way to know for sure if its the ballast that's faulty or the tube light? the tube light displays an orange glow on one side only (not flickering) does this not tell us whats likely to be faulty?

phill99

It's not worth replacing e ballast.

You can buy a whole new fitting complete with tube for a tenner. Be much quicker to replace the whole thing.

Euphoria1z

well I changed the tube light and it didn't work...so Il look for a whole tube light fitting ...do these fittings come with a ballast etc included? might have to call an electrician to fit it...though its a rented house, you think this is a landlords responsibility or mines?


thanks

Myser

New fittings do come with their own ballast. They are usually electronic.

Can you post a picture of the inside of your current fitting?

Norman_Castle

In a rented house the landlord is normally responsible for the light fittings but not the bulbs.