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Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

December 06, 2015, 06:55:31 pm

Suddenly only three out of eight of my overhead fluorescent lights go on completely. Five only go on dimly as if the ballast were going out. Would five lights share a common ballast? If not why would all five go bad all at the same time? The two overheads in the bedroom and the one over the front entry work normally. Does anyone have any ideas?

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #1 – December 06, 2015, 07:11:24 pm

Just a thought.
Where are you located?? Florescent lights don't like the cold on initial start-up, and can show dim for some time until they get warmed up.
That could be one reason, OR???
Brian.

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #2 – December 06, 2015, 07:22:57 pm

I'm in Portland connected to shore power.
I was just checking things and I found that it was not just the fluorescent overheads, it was most of the 12 volt lights, but not all, that were affected. I was checking different lights and I hit the rocker switch in the bedroom a couple of times and each time the lights came on a little brighter. After 3 or 4 clicks all the 12 volt light were back up to normal brightness and are working fine again. That is very weird!

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #3 – December 06, 2015, 07:55:21 pm

Well, sorry my cold theory didn't work for you in the warmer part of the world.  Interesting that multiple switching sessions gets them working properly??
Brian.

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #4 – December 06, 2015, 08:22:42 pm

I would replace the rocker, the contacts may be going bad.

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #5 – December 06, 2015, 09:44:26 pm

Thanks guys for the suggestions. It has been pouring here and dark. As soon as it quits raining and in the light of day I will check the batteries, and switch. Electrical is not my strong suit so I may end up having to find a pro to help me track down the problem if it reoccurs.

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #6 – December 06, 2015, 10:22:32 pm

This sort of sounds to me like a ground issue.  Several lights on different circuits have only one common feature. Look under the bed in the electronics bay.  There is a big common ground connection there.  Make sure it is tight.  That ground bus is connected to the frame near the front if the engine bay just on the other side of the electronics bay. 

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Re: Mystery Fluorescent Light Problem

Reply #7 – December 06, 2015, 10:24:46 pm

Thanks! I'll give both ends of that ground an inspection.

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