Fluorescent light bulb burning out

12 years ago

I recently replaced one 4' tube (in a 2 tube fixture) and within a week the new tube burned out. This leaves me wondering if there is something wrong with the fixture - or if it was just a bad tube?

I've since replaced it again and it seems to be working fine... so far.

But - tubes are pretty expensive so I wanted to make sure I'm not throwing good money after bad, as they say.

Thanks in advance for feedback -

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Comments (3)

bus_driver
12 years ago
Assuming that your tubes are the bi-pin style, it is possible to install the tube with only one pin inside the the lamp holder. The tube will usually appear to work properly but will rapidly darken on the end with the misplaced pin.
Failing within a week suggests that the tube was faulty when manufactured. If the other tube has lasted longer, put it in the slot where the one has failed and put a new one in the slot where quick failure has not occurred.
ionized_gw
12 years ago
How many ballasts are in the luminaire? It is not likely that there are two, but possible. If there are two, you might have a bad ballast.
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karyn
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks it appears this has been resolved with a new tube - the other new one that burned out so quickly must have been defective...

As this was not a high end fixture, replacing it probably would have been simpler than attempting a parts repair - possibly even less expensive as well. Luckily so far, that's not needed.