Fluorescent light question

[Cliff_Johns]

The double fluorescent light fixture in my garage has a failure. Both tubes light, but only at half (or less) brightness. Does that mean the ballast is bad, or does it mean one or both bulbs are bad? I guess I could replace both bulbs, but I rather not if the ballast is bad anyway.

Cliff

 

[murphy1244]

Does it have a starter?

 

[Cliff_Johns]

Does it have a starter?

I don't understand the question. It's the type that plugs into a socket which is wired to a switch on the wall. I know nothing about the insides of a fluorescent light fixture except that they have ballasts that fail sometimes.

 

[murphy1244]

I don't understand the question. It's the type that plugs into a socket which is wired to a switch on the wall. I know nothing about the insides of a fluorescent light fixture except that they have ballasts that fail sometimes.

Is there a small silver cylinder next to the ballast?

 

[Cliff_Johns]

I don't know. I will have to pull it down tomorrow and look. I haven't tried to take it apart or anything. Do you think that might be the part that has failed?

Cliff

 

[murphy1244]

I don't know. I will have to pull it down tomorrow and look. I haven't tried to take it apart or anything. Do you think that might be the part that has failed?

Cliff

If its got one

 

[kenmac]

If it's the cheap fixture. you can buy new cheaper than replace parts. I replaced all my big bulb fixtures with the smaller bulbs T8?

 

[murphy1244]

If it's the cheap fixture. you can buy new cheaper than replace parts. I replaced all my big bulb fixtures with the smaller bulbs T8?

How much are T8 bulbs?

 

[kenmac]

Don't remember. Not any more than the T12 bulbs. Better lighting though

 

[Bigfoot62]

Could be a starter. (if it has one) Most newer fixtures don't have starters.
Could be the ballast.
Could be the bulbs.

Change the bulbs. If that doesn't do it, buy a new fixture. You've already got new bulbs.
Seriously, a weak ballast can ruin the bulbs, and weak bulbs can fry the ballast. If you have to change the fixture, use new bulbs.