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Lighting Electrical Wiring DIY

light fixture F15T12

2 years ago

last modified: 2 years ago

I have a light fixture in the closet that needs to be changed. Images attached. What will be a good drop in replacement available at Lowe’s or Homedepot. The problem is that the bulb does not come up and if I just give it a light touch then the bulb lits up. Can any one please advise?

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Comments (4)

w0lley32
2 years ago
What you are describing is most often caused by a bad ground or lack thereof. Before you replace the fixture, check that the ground wire is solidly attached to the green grounding screw inside the fixture.

I would also try a brand new tube before replacing the fixture. They also sell LED replacement tubes, some are direct retrofits, some other need the ballast removed.
Dave
2 years ago
last modified: 2 years ago
A bad ground only shows up in DC power. in AC, the ground wont affect the light at all. itll just stop the metal fixture housing from becoming energized and trip the breaker if a hot wire accidentally touches the light housing.

its likely a bad bulb or bad ballast. you can replace the ballast, or direct wire the tombstones and add leds.

or replace with a same sized led strip light.

either way, 100% not a ground issue.
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dennisgli
2 years ago
- A bad ground only shows up in DC power.
Huh???
Dave
2 years ago
A bad ground causing an issue as w0lley described would only show up in DC power. aka in your car.

if you understand how a ground works in AC power, youd know it would have nothing to do with how the light functions. again, its just a safey feature and a path back to the earth. ungrounded, the light will fuction exactly the same. nm cable was just a hot and neutral with no ground up til the 60’s anyway.

You know the difference between AC and DC power i presume.

beyond that, please elaborate what you didnt understand.

not trying be a jerk at all. your ”huh” with no actual question made it hard to answer.

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