Why do my fluorescent lights take a long time to turn on?
Most fluorescent light fixtures also have a component called a ballast, which controls the current through the fixture. If the ballast is malfunctioning, it too can cause the light to take a while to turn on. But ballasts are very expensive to replace and they malfunction far more seldom than tubes and starters.
Why do fluorescent lights not come on right away?
If a fluorescent tube neither lights nor flickers when switched on, first check to see that the fixture is plugged in and that no fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. If this does not help, try wiggling the tube gently in its sockets by rocking it back and forth and from side to side.
Why do I have to tap my fluorescent light to work?
Touching the bulb will introduce a new potential source providing enough kick to get it started. Sometimes the pins at the end of the tube don’t make good contact with the contacts in the socket. You may even need to rotate the tube.
How long does it take for a fluorescent light to warm up?
Typically, a CFL with amalgam will initially turn on at approximately 50% of its light output and take up to three minutes to fully heat up to its full rated lumen output. Covered CFLs will also experience a slightly shorter life due to the extra heat.
How do I know if my fluorescent light has a starter?
You can easily tell if your fluorescent fixture has a starter as it will have a small silver (or white) cylinder directly behind the tube.
Why is there a delay in my light switch?
The last warning you may have of an issue with your light switch is if you notice a delay between when you flip the switch and when the light comes on. If this happens, there is a good chance that the electrical contacts present in the switch are beginning to wear out.
What are the common problems of fluorescent lamp?
defective starters, defective bulbs or a defective ballast. IMPORTANT: Flickering fluorescent tubes can cause the ballast to overheat and fail prematurely! They can even cause a starter to burn out! Don’t wait too long to fix the problem or you may end up with a bigger repair!