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jacobc

04:20PM | 09/27/11
Member Since: 09/27/11
7 lifetime posts
Bvelectrical
I have a Keystone ceiling light fixture that uses two concentric circular fluorescent bulbs. For a number of years it worked fine, but a year ago both light bulbs burned out. I replaced the bulbs, but recently the fixture started having problems again, namely it refused to turn on when the switch was flipped (would blink and go out again) and it would take several tries to turn it on (and sometimes it refused to turn on entirely). I bought another pair of light bulbs and opened it up, at which point I found that (a) one of the old bulbs was totally burned out, while the other one still worked but looked like it was getting close to burning out, and (b) one set of connecting cables from the power box worked, but the other didn't. I changed the larger (32W) bulb and connected it to the working connectors, and left the broken connectors loose (I left the burned out smaller [22w] bulb in the fixture just to take up space). But now (a week later) the fixture is doing the same thing: blinking and refusing to turn on when the switch is first flipped, so that it takes multiple flips back and forth to turn it on. Clearly there is something wrong with the fixture itself. What would you recommend doing? And is this something a person who is not particularly handy or experienced can do themselves? I'm attaching a picture to show what the fixture looks like. Thanks a lot for your help.
Img_8662

LarryG

06:53AM | 09/28/11
Member Since: 07/22/04
491 lifetime posts
The ballast must be bad.

jacobc

07:15PM | 09/28/11
Member Since: 09/27/11
7 lifetime posts
Thank you for the reply. Would I be able to replace the ballast myself, not having any experience in electrical / wiring work? Also, something else I've observed is that the ceiling light in the living room, which is next to the kitchen, also seems to burn out light bulbs much faster than it should. That one uses incandescent bulbs. Is it possible that there is a bigger wiring problem in the apartment that's affecting multiple light fixtures? Thanks again.

LarryG

08:16PM | 09/30/11
Member Since: 07/22/04
491 lifetime posts
I think you will find to replace the ballast for a few dollars more you could replace the whole fixture. As far as the other light goes make sure that center tab in the socket isn't flattened down first it needs to be bent up to make good contact with the bulb and not burned from arcing."Is it possible that there is a bigger wiring problem in the apartment that's affecting multiple light fixtures?"
Yes it is but more likely it would blow the bulb as opposed to just wearing it out.


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