testing florescent lighting tube

helpmenow_2

is there anyway I can test a tube to find out if its the tube or something else wrong like the fitting etc
thanks

PROFESSIONAL_LANDLORD

If the ends of the tube look black that's an indication the tubes goosed, failing that, change the starter, ( a small circular plastic component ) found on the exterior of the fitting, rotate to remove.

ormus

easiest way is to substitute parts, just like a computer.
try the tube in another fitting. or try the starter in another etc.

helpmenow_2

hi Could i test with continuity test as with fuses etc
thanks

YorkshireBoy

helpmenow wrote: »

hi Could i test with continuity test as with fuses etc

Yes, but it won't necessarily confirm whether the tube is faulty...

http://www.naturalhandyman.com/iip/infelectrical/inffluor.html

MarkyMarkD

It's more often the starter than the tube.

If you don't have another identical fitting to try the tube in, then it's cheaper to start by replacing the starter as they are very cheap. But then after that you'll have to try a new tube before starting to worry about worse problems like the fitting being faulty - which is very unlikely.

helpmenow_2

seems the only part that trys to light is the very end of the tube
i can see it on at that point but the rest is off so not sure what it is

Inactive

Sounds like the tube to me.

YorkshireBoy

helpmenow wrote: »

...so not sure what it is

You'd probably have more of an idea if you read the article I provided for you in the link in post #5. :rolleyes:

From your later information supplied it sounds like you've either lost gas or gas pressure (change tube), or the ballast/starter arrangement is producing insufficient voltage to 'strike' the arc required for conduction across the length of the tube (change starter or ballast*).

A tube is a couple of quid, and a starter only 30p or so.


* If the starter doesn't fix the problem, replace the fitting as a replacement ballast won't be cost-effective.