Need fluorescent lighting repair advice.

[Mustang_Cougar]

I've got four 4-bulb T8 fixtures that are out. I've checked the obvious things (bulbs, connections, etc.) and now I'm to the point where I'm replacing the ballasts. Anyway, I was at Home Depot to pick some up and I noticed they sell the individual tombstone connectors. If one tombstone has failed or has a bad connection, will it interrupt current to all four bulbs? That would seem practical, both electrically and economically (ballast = $15, tombstone = $2), but I've never worked on these before. Another thing that is bothering me about the ballast solution is that these fixtured are only four years old.

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.

M_C

 

[Steve S]

Usually you can see if there is a problem with the connectors. Did you try to replace the lamps?

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

Originally Posted By: Steve S
Did you try to replace the lamps?


Yup, tried fresh bulbs in two of the fixtures...but no dice.

 

[scoobie]

Did you say that FOUR fixtures are not working? I wonder if a power surge fried the ballast? the tombstone usually does not fail. do u have any fixtures that are still working?

 

[Mustang_Cougar]

It's four fixtures of about 30...none of them are adjacent. I too thought that the tombstones shouldn't fail, but then Home Depot has a section of them right next to the ballasts...a lot of selection for something that doesn't typically go bad.

One of the major problems about troubleshooting the wiring and stuff is that I have to use a shop light and there's not a lot of room above the drop-down ceiling. If I had more light and room, I could check the tombstone connections better. I guess I'll have to try the new ballast first and see if that rectifies things...

 

[chevrofreak]

If you get a new ballast, go for the electronic ones. No flickering, and less noise.

 

[tom slick]

It's the ballast. T8 ballasts have the bulbs wired parallel so when all 4 go out you can be sure it is the ballast.