Fixing Fluorescent Shop Lights

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I have two 10 foot florecent shop lights in my garage. They are older and are the type with one metal prong coming out of it. I replaced the bulbs with new bulbs, but it doesn't work 100%. I would say the forward bulb is 50% on and the back bulb is 10% on and they flicker. To troubleshoot I have a second shop light and it works well, so I swapped the new bulbs over to the working light and put it's bulbs into the broken light. Again, it works the same. 50% in the front bulb and 10% in the back bulb. How do I fix this?Based on your description, it sounds like you have older fluorescent shop lights with T12 bulbs that have a single metal prong on each end. You mentioned that you replaced the bulbs, but the issue of flickering and partial illumination persists. Since you've already ruled out the possibility of faulty bulbs by swapping them with a working light, the issue is likely related to the ballast or the tombstone sockets (lamp holders) in the problematic light fixture.

Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the issue:

1. Check the Tombstone Sockets: The tombstone sockets are the lamp holders that the bulbs plug into. Check for any signs of damage, such as cracks, burns, or loose connections. If you find any damaged sockets, they will need to be replaced.

2. Check the Ballast: The ballast is the component that regulates the electrical current flowing through the fluorescent bulbs. An old or failing ballast can cause flickering and inconsistent illumination. If the ballast appears damaged, leaking, or buzzing, it may need to be replaced.

3. Replace the Ballast: If you determine that the ballast is the issue, you can replace it with a new one. Make sure to purchase a ballast that is compatible with your specific light fixture and bulbs. When replacing the ballast, be sure to turn off the power to the light fixture at the circuit breaker, and follow all safety precautions.

4. Consider Upgrading to LED: If you find that the ballast needs to be replaced, you may want to consider upgrading the entire fixture to an LED shop light. LED lights are more energy-efficient, have a longer lifespan, and do not require a ballast. There are LED retrofit kits available that allow you to convert your existing fluorescent fixtures to LED.

5. Contact a Professional: If you are not comfortable with electrical work or if the issue persists after troubleshooting, it's best to contact a licensed electrician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Please note that working with electrical fixtures can be dangerous, so it's important to exercise caution and follow all safety guidelines. If you are unsure about any of the steps or if you are not experienced with electrical work, it's best to seek help from a professional electrician.

Fixing Fluorescent Shop Lights created at Tue Jan 20 1970 11:00:34 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)