My kitchen ceiling light is known to not work during periods of high humidity. Last year I replaced the sockets that the (2) bulbs get twisted into, and the problem seemed solved.

However, during a recent about of high humidity, the two bulbs weren't working once again. Once the humidity subsided, it works. This now happens over and over this year.

It's an old fixture, maybe 30 years. Can the ballast be affected by humidity?:confused:

The fixture has to be well grounded for the lamps to start. Particularly the metal reflector under the lamp.

Also you can use petroleum jelly or dialectric grease on the tube pins.

Check the lamp that the ballast supports. Older ballasts sometimes have a difficult time starting newer lamps which have less mercury. The ballast can be changed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid

Also you can use petroleum jelly or dialectric grease on the tube pins.

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Thanks. I had previously taken out each bulb and put it back in, to no good effect. That told me the contacts were not the problem.

But today I switched bulbs and now everything works. That tells me it was a contact problem - even after only one year with new sockets and bulbs. Maybe then it really is due to humidity and lack of contact, made worse by kitchen fumes.

So I put vaseline on the pins to try to keep moisture out. It usually works now - usually. Electricity is funny. I merely coated the pins then put the bulbs back in. Should I have tried to pack it in instead? Does the petroleum jelly conduct electricity?

Yet another rainstorm is coming, that'll be the test. Thanks again.

Dialectric grease is a better choice. Just lightly coat the pins. I doubt the Jelly conducts electricity well. This contact enhancer Stabilant 22 has been know to work. It was marked as Tweek many years ago when I first got my bottle.

Wipe all bulbs carefully. Dust with baby powder lightly.
Replace
Problem solved. Due to static on humid days