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    lrhall41's Avatar
    lrhall41 Posts: 123, Reputation: 6
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    Jun 8, 2008, 07:18 AM
    Fluorescent lamp doesn't work
    My kitchen has a fluorescent lamp on the ceiling with 4 bulbs. Last week 2 of the bulbs went out and when we replaced them, but still they are not working. We went back to the store and got 2 new bulbs, still nothing. The bulbs twinkle like they want to lit up, but nothing happens. The other 2 bulbs are working fine. Do we need to replace the whole lamp?
    :confused:
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jun 8, 2008, 07:35 AM
    There is a ballast for each two lamps in a fixture like that. You can replace them one at a time, although replacing both would be a better idea.
    I ONLY suggest this if you feel VERY confident working on this stuff. There is LETHAL voltage on the secondary side of a fluorescent ballast.
    lrhall41's Avatar
    lrhall41 Posts: 123, Reputation: 6
    Junior Member
    		  
    #3

    Jun 8, 2008, 08:07 AM
    We changed the bulbs (fluorescent) twice... I don't understand about the ballast that needs to be replaced. Isn't that what we did? Im confused.
    Sorry for asking so many questions.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    Jun 8, 2008, 08:18 AM
    Sorry, when I say "lamp" I mean light bulb. Force of habit using the correct term.

    Each pair of lamps has a ballast, like a transformer, inside the cover between the lamp pairs.

    One of these ballasts is bad. Replacing both is insurance, and will get you another 10-15 years out of the fixture.
    lrhall41's Avatar
    lrhall41 Posts: 123, Reputation: 6
    Junior Member
    		  
    #5

    Jun 8, 2008, 11:10 AM
    Got it. It worked. Thanks.
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