[Roca]

I'm a newby, and I recently added 2 fluorescent ceiling lights in the garage. I'd like to know what would cause both lights to go out when the weather is cold, and both to come back on when it warms up? Thanks!

[DAVE231]

I have two eight foot fluorescent fixtures in my unheated garage and when the temperatue gets low they buzz and flicker until they warm up. There are special fixtures (Cold weather ballasts) sold to control this, but they cost more and unless you are in the garage for an extended period, it will stop once the temperature rises.

[Roca]

Many thanks! Does this mean that my installation may not be at fault, and that the problem can be remedied by using more expensive lights?. Roca

[labman]

I have some conventional fluorescent lights in unheated areas. Usually they come on when it is cold, but it takes a while. If you need the light, check out Dave's cold weather ballasts. If you need a lot of light, you could look at sodium vapor or metal halide fixtures. Good light output per watt and work in cold weather. Trouble is, they are slow to come on even when it is warm. Great for exterior lighting.

[wheatnbarley24]

Lights with electronic ballast aren't affected by the cold weather and they aren't that expensive