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View Full Version : New Fluorescent Bulb (the small spiral twisting tube type)


Hussar
Jun 5, 2007, 07:22 AM
After purchasing and then installing three (3) of those new fluorescent bulbs to replace some of my incandescent bulbs, I have some questions.

1. I hear a low volume “humming” in 2 of the 3 bulbs. One is louder than the other, but there is one as quiet as a sleeping baby. Is that noise “normal” or should I take them back?

2. When I tested the 3 bulbs, 1 of them did not light at the “end” of the coil. Is that normal? If it is, how long should I wait? I waited for under a minute.

Thanks in advance!

Brian

tkrussell
Jun 5, 2007, 01:43 PM
The humming is not a problem, unless it is annoying. There is a small electronic ballast inside each lamp that is needed to keep the lamp working. I never heard an electronic ballast hum thou, so as I think about it, perhaps you should change them for new ones.

The entire tube should illuminate. No problem leaving it on as normal, this will give the amalgam a chance to ionize and excite the phosphor coating thruout the entire tube.

Stratmando
Jun 6, 2007, 08:38 AM
Do you have low voltage?

Hussar
Jun 6, 2007, 12:24 PM
Normal voltage. Actually, when I bought the house, they upgraded the current/box to bring in more lines.