Many people and businesses are enjoying the benefits which come with installing fluorescent lighting. However, nothing is perfect and from time to time you may need to change bulbs or make repairs like installing new replacement sockets. These tasks are not as hard as you may think and here are some helpful tips for keeping your lights working
Why Fluorescent Lights?
It is not uncommon to get more than ten thousand hours on fluorescent bulbs and over fifty thousand hours on ballasts. Plus, lighting is less complex today than just a few years ago as most units no longer have starters to worry about. Some of the more common repairs include checking for power, burned out bulbs and sometimes replacement sockets may be needed.
Power Problems
Some lack of power problems are as easy as resetting a breaker. After checking the breaker, check the switch (single pole switches). Turn off power and carefully remove the cover and place a meter across the switch contacts with the switch in the “on” position. If you have continuity the switch is good.
If you have three and four way switches, it’s easier to check for power at the light fixture. Remove the bulb and check the contacts with a voltage meter. Have someone move a switch in the circuit on and off and note what happens. If you have power at the socket, it’s time to check the bulb or bulbs.
Bulbs
Check the bulb ends for dark spots. This is usually a sign of trouble. If you have other fixtures, try switching bulbs and see what happens.
Sockets
If the bulb is good, put it back into the socket and check to see if it fits tight. Does the bulb rotate and come to a stop or keep rotating? If it keeps on rotating and feels loose you may need a new socket.
Installing Replacement Sockets
Turn off power to the light and remove the bulb. You may need to take off the cover to access the socket. This is not usually difficult. Some sockets are held in by screws or they may fit into slots. Remove the socket from the mount and take out the wires. This can usually be done with a straightened out paper clip. Using the same paper clip, insert the wires into the new socket. You should feel the spring give and it will then grasp the ne wire and keep it in place. Next, reinstall the cover, bulb, and restore power.