Hi hmalcolm,

It could be your Balast.

Write down the mfgr. and model info and visit the Electricle Aisle at your Home Center and get a new balast. You could have the 'wrong' one or a 'bad' one.

My best to ya and hope this helps.

Jay J -Moderator

I bought a new balast yesterday, but it does not help the problem. The tubes never get up to full power. Is it possible that the electricity coming in is only coming in at half-power? My theory is that the line has a kink or has been eaten (the run is up in the attic and we have had some animal intruders in the past). Thanks in advance.

A kink in the line, or partially eaten electrical wire would not cause this problem. Electricity isn't like water in that way. However, there are other ways that the voltage available to the fixture could be reduced. If it's not too difficult, try taking this fixture to another circuit in the house that you know is good and see if the light acts the same way. That will determine whether the problem is in the fixture or the wiring.

[This message has been edited by rpxlpx (edited July 16, 2001).]

You've probably tried this already since you've replaced the ballast, but have you tried just replacing the starter? It's usually a silver 1-1&1/2" cylindrical piece with 2 studs at the end of it that you kind of screw in.

You should check the "tombstones" connections at the end of each lamp. Sometimes a loose connection there will cause this very problem. Also most new flourecent fixtures do not contain starters.