Fluorescent lamp requires wall switch to be cycled several times before lighting.

joejean

I have a ceiling fixture with two 48in. flourescent lamps and a ballast. The fixture requires the wall switch to be cycled on and off several times (as many as 10 times) before the lamps will light. It appears that the lamps are trying to light, as I can see faint light at the ends of one of the tubes. Actually, this fixture is the second one I installed, as I had the same problem with the first one, and thought it was the fixture). Could I have an electrical problem with the wall switch or the wiring? Appreciate any ideas.

HouseHelper

First thing to check is if the fixture is properly grounded. An improper or no ground will give the symptoms you describe.

__________________
"Life is hard. Life is harder when you're stupid." John Wayne

joejean

Thanks, I'll check that first.

jcalvin

Next, Check Bulbs. one bad bulb will make them both go out unless you have an electronic balast
Then, Check to see if you have a bad starter. If it has one, it will be about .5inch round and 2inches long
Finally, Throw it away and buy a new because it is probably your ballast and they are as expensive as the light is

__________________
Cal

You hired WHO?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.

SD515

The switch might be 'old and worn'...it's usually in the wiring connections, ground, or the light fixture...but sometimes the switch is worn and not making a good contact.

BigJimmy

If you simply turn on the switch and leave it on, what happens. Does the fixture eventually light?

__________________
The very existence of flamethrowers proves that some time, somewhere, someone said to themselves,"You know, I want to set those people over there on fire, but I'm just not close enough to get the job done." - George Carlin