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struggle4progress

(120,241 posts)
Sun Oct 27, 2013, 06:36 PM Oct 2013

Help! My kitchen light has developed an environmental conscience!

This has gone on for several years. The fluorescent light doesn't come on unless it's cold outside: in warm weather, it just glows on the ends,. As the days grow shorter and the weather cools, it starts working again. I've changed the bulb several times without effect

So here's the mystery: what's going on?

5 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Help! My kitchen light has developed an environmental conscience! (Original Post) struggle4progress Oct 2013 OP
Perhaps it's the ballast. Wilms Oct 2013 #1
Depending on the age and type of fixture, it is probably the ballast or the starter. SeattleVet Oct 2013 #2
Gotta be the ballast. Warpy Oct 2013 #3
Loose connection mablemacaulay Dec 2013 #4
Message auto-removed Name removed Dec 2013 #5
 

Wilms

(26,795 posts)
1. Perhaps it's the ballast.
Sun Oct 27, 2013, 06:48 PM
Oct 2013

Depending upon the fixture it could be simply removed and replaced or it could be a job for someone who is good with electrical wiring.

Can you see a model number for the fixture? Post it and I'll see if I can determine anything helpful.

And to be safe, leave it turned off.

SeattleVet

(5,588 posts)
2. Depending on the age and type of fixture, it is probably the ballast or the starter.
Sun Oct 27, 2013, 08:59 PM
Oct 2013

Does it have a little silver 'can' somewhere near the connection for the bulb? If so, you have a model that uses a starter. They're pretty cheap, and easy to replace (they are usually a twist-and-pull). If not you may have a ballast; a bit harder to replace, but still do-able for the average person.

Warpy

(113,130 posts)
3. Gotta be the ballast.
Mon Oct 28, 2013, 12:47 AM
Oct 2013

Guys at the hardware store will be able to help you out on either replacing it or replacing the whole fixture. Next spring. You know you won't do it during the winter while it's still working.

mablemacaulay

(2 posts)
4. Loose connection
Mon Dec 23, 2013, 05:52 AM
Dec 2013

I agree with Warpy that a guys at the hardware store will be able to help or if you have knowledge about it then you can see if there is any loose connection and wiring is done properly. Many times the winter also creates problem as the connection become moist. If ypu want I know one firm which provide solution to kitchen related problem so you can check it here.

Response to struggle4progress (Original post)

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