replacing fluorescent light

northernstar007

hi all a quick 1 
my old mother lives in council private accom, her fluorescent light comes on then goes out after 10-15secs, 2 questions 1st question could this be the starter? and 2nd question the markings on the tube is F58W/840 T8, i am wanting this replaced tomorrow and i have looked on screwfix they are not showingf 58W i take it that is the W is the watts and the 840 is the shade, so i take it i must match the 58W?
theres a cpl of electrical wholesalers near me i will try them 1st thing

northernstar007

and also can i put LED straight in or will it need to be converted and also what W should i be looking at if i can do that

Okey00001

I am aware that it is possible to replace. LED is better than horrible flourescent lighting.  Buty best to call an electrician for their expert advice. They would need to check the wiring and compatibility of LED. 

greyteam1959

Measure the length of your old tube in mm.
Is it 1500 mm ?
If so look at Toolstation online product code 10690.
That should do your job.
Follow the enclosed instructions of course.
Edit
Screwfix have plenty of T8 options.
I would go for the tube with highest lumens.

northernstar007

thanks for the reply greyteam, so the current tube is 58W and the 1 you mentioned is 20w just checking to see that wont blow me up, and yes its 1500mm

badmemory

What is horrible about fluorescent lighting.  Other than you can see what you are doing which probably isn't always a good thing.  I have a tunnel-like kitchen with 2 at around 50w per hour so would like to reduce but seriously worry about being able to see as my eyesight is fading.

badmemory

To answer the OPs question though, when my starters are going they just flash as in we are trying, flash we are still trying.  When the tubes are going then there may be a fraction of a second glow.  I have never had one come on for seconds & then go off again.

northernstar007

for £12 its worth changing it tomorrow, it would take forever the council to come out

Albermarle

The sale of fluorescent tubes has been banned since September 2023 AFAIK

greyteam1959

northernstar007 said:

thanks for the reply greyteam, so the current tube is 58W and the 1 you mentioned is 20w just checking to see that wont blow me up, and yes its 1500mm

No it won't blow anything up !!
20w led tube will probably give your more light than the old florescent tube.
And it will come on instantly 

Section62

northernstar007 said:

and also can i put LED straight in or will it need to be converted and also what W should i be looking at if i can do that

Yes and no. Make sure you read the instructions carefully before installing the new tube.

There are many different types of fluorescent fitting, not all of which are wholly compatible with LED lamps.  Depending on the tube and fitting you may need to swap the existing starter with one supplied with the LED tube... but there is no guarantee the tube will work.

Many (most) fluorescent fittings have a 'ballast' which isn't needed for LED tubes, but will remain in circuit when you fit a LED tube and will consume some energy.  Ideally you'd get an electrician to do the first-time fitting of a LED tube so they could (if they are willing) reconfigure the fitting to remove the ballast from circuit as well... but the cost of an electrician to do this may outweigh the enegy saving, and it would probably work out cheaper to get them to install a LED batten in place of the whole fluorescent fitting.  But as this is a rented property getting your own electrician to make changes may not be a good idea.

If you are lucky you'll be able to fit a LED tube following the instructions and it will work... but be prepared to switch to a plan B.