How to Repair a Fluorescent Light that Flickers

How to Repair a Fluorescent Light that Flickers. Part of the series: Home Improvements: Bath, Electric and Around the House. The fluorescent light in your home shouldn't flicker randomly. Repair a fluorescent light that flickers with help from the founder and owner of a tile and home repair shop in this free video clip. Read more: www.ehow.com/video_8222993_rep...

[@christinedonnelly9677]

True this is only a replacement bulb so a new title might be better. But I love that you showed the 1st step in identifying what the problem is AND you answered my questions regarding whether ALL fluorescent light bulbs might flicker or dim when really only 1 is actually the problem. Plus whether a bulb can be “bad” even when it still lights a little.

[@sandydennis8644]

I found this to be very helpful. I had two flickering lights and bought two new ones. I replaced one and tried it but they both still flickered. I assumed I had something else wrong. It ended up being the other bulb as well or instead. Regardless after watching this video I tried the other one and now they work. Thanks.

[@VP-uu5dd]

Hi, thank you for your video. Is there a way you can show how you put the cover back on the ceiling box? I got it out, but am having a heck of a time putting it back in. Thx!

[@JoSewCute]

Thank you! Great video.

[@PuthieLeTarte]

THANKYOU!!! I was getting ready to go and get a new starter but I thought I'd check YT first....and VOILA! Changed the bulb and all is well! THANKYOU!

[@tcosio27]

Brother,thanks,that's what the problem was👊🏼👊🏼👊🏼💯💯💯

[@alive-awake]

This was helpful. My light just went off and when I went to take off the lens cover it came back on. It does look a little dark on the end of both bulbs. It's on but I wonder if they are on their way out.

[@wendyp8488]

Thanks. This is really helpful. I just had a new fluorescent light installed. The next day it started to flicker and I see the black end you mentioned.

[@rs12official]

Who on earth would use end of life tubes in a new fixture? That’s crazy! 😜

[@douglaspinsak1246]

How to repair a flickering fluorescent bulb=take it out and put in a new one lol. Thanks.

[@robertsitch1415]

Sometimes the ballast can be the main problem if there is weak or flashing light from the tubes.

[@TexasEmperor]

This was helpful!

[@jorgecastro1894]

Thank you very much, you answered my question without even asking! again thank you!

[@samchu5890]

What about you replace the tubes? It's still flickering.

[@rs12official]

It’s probably the ballast.

[@juntrung7689]

Mine is so freakin frustrating to do instead of the prongs going straight in from the bottom they made to come in at an angle! But my tubes are new but it’s flickering and the other two don’t wanna turn on! It shouldn’t matter which end to install first right?

[@SonnyGTA]

I have the same style light and I wanted to see how to take the panel off. Got it!

[@losmoore3358]

I'm embarrassed. I bought a tombstone for the fixture. And found out that wasn't the problem alone. After putting f a brand new bulb in it was flickering. Watching this video u were right on ! New bulb had black at the one end. Replaced it and tighten up 2 of the tombstone it freaken worked ! Thank u for your video.

[@geod3589]

My fixture has 2 - 48" fluorescent tube bulbs. One was bad with the end being dark as in the video. I went to Lowes and bought 2 more. I replaced both bulbs, and they both lit up right off the bat. The very next day, both are quite dim and flickering, again they are brand new. What gives?

[@abbeysomething1352]

Should be titled “How to replace a fluorescent bulb”. But bravo! Illuminating video😎

[@janiecsatari1984]

I have the same fixture in my kitchen, but do not know how to get the cover panel off to access the bulbs? Please help! It has been out of use for 3 years now because we cant figure it out.

[@Steve_K2]

Same problem. Am happy to know I'm not the only one.

[@awalker7432]

I have lights that don’t like to turn on when it gets hot outside. I’ve had one bulb that’s burned out twice in 7 years, but the other has not burned out in that time (knock on wood). Any ideas if this is a wiring issue?

[@rs12official]

Is it humid where you live? High humidity can affect the starting of fixture using rapid start magnetic ballasts. In this case, I would replace the ballast with a newer electronic ballast which should not be affected by the humidity.

[@davidhalley9795]

I’m hoping this works. I put in all new bulbs and it started to flicker instantly. The bulbs are skinnier and less wattage than the old ones. Not sure if 32 w vs 40 has anything to so with it. I have extra bulbs. I’ll check if any of the new bulbs are bad. Is there anything else that cause the issue?

[@rs12official]

The ballast is likely the issue. Try changing that. If that doesn’t fix the issue then it could be bad wiring. Also, most ballasts for 40w F40T12 tubes are not compatible with the thinner 32w F32T8 tubes. Most of the time the tubes would suffer shortened life if used on a ballast for F40T12 but some ballasts may also overheat with these, so pay attention to what kind of tubes your ballast is rated for. Usually these will be listed as a number like F40T12 or F32T8 on the ballast. Hope this helps!

[@tripjet999]

@1:44, all bulbs appear to light and a second later, two more "invisible" bulbs on the very outside of the other four appear to light up!

[@rs12official]

These older 4-lamp fixtures with magnetic rapid start ballasts utilized two ballasts, each driving two lamps. Due to differences between ballasts and lamps, one set of lamps may start faster than the other, leading to the sort of “staggered” startup seen in the video. This fixture most likely contains two 2-lamp rapid start magnetic ballasts, one driving the two inner lamps and the other driving the two outer lamps. In this case, the inner lamps start faster than the outer ones. The “invisible” lamps lighting is actually the outer lamps getting to full brightness after the inner ones reach full brightness faster.

[@samkitty5894]

Flickering light is not always 99% indication that the tube is bad. It could be due to bad starter, bad ballast, loose wiring, or bad contacts. Also, having black on tube does not indicate it is dead or dying. Some of mine are like that and are 15 years old, still bright when powered. To your point, tube is always a good first "usual suspect". I test mine by substitution before running out to the box store. Homes usually use more than one light fixture with identical tube sizes.

[@tripjet999]

15 years? Maybe if they are rarely used...

[@samkitty5894]

@@tripjet999 No, they were used daily, for hours.

[@philanna38]

When I flick the switch of my [ 3 way switch] fluorescent light, it won't light but some times if I keep flicking it then it will go on. Do I need new switches? The bulbs are good.

[@matmirza5376]

Probably new housing

[@tripjet999]

It probably needs a new ballast.

[@cindywilkins4640]

But how did you get the lens back in place? That's the hard part.

[@_Majoras]

thats what she said!

[@All2Skitzd]

lol that aint no joke, just leave it off and it might look ugly at first but youll get used to it in no time (hopefully).

[@Yelawolf269]

Cindy Wilkins it’s easy you slip it in on an angle

[@philanna38]

How about the fluorescent light switch? I have to keep flicking the switch and when it's just right then the light goes on. Mine is a 2 bulb 4 feet light. Do I need a new switch?

[@rs12official]

Sounds like it could be an old worn out switch, but it could also be a bad ballast too.

[@djscottymaxx]

Wut if they are new? And do this . i have a T12 shop light the whole thing is new maybe a month old i just replaced the burnt out bulb. Noticed yesterday its doing the same thing again. Its lit up but looks like the light is dancing around in the tube.

[@novaman7100]

not the ballast

[@jennifermodzaka4315]

Can one work with a wet hand whiles holding live conductor ......because I has seen some before

[@rs12official]

I would do that at your own risk.

[@heberslade3588]

Where would I find a replacement lens ..florescent 12 inches x 48 inches?

[@rs12official]

You can buy covers at Home Depot and cut to size.

[@miguelperdomo786]

I just have 2 lights and i need 4 can i put just 2 lights and is going to work normally

[@brynnond.6952]

Miguel De Jesus Perdomo it matters if more than two bulbs look like they have black marks on the ends of them because with these old rapid start ballasts if one goes dead the other on one will stop working

[@Masud8594]

Well guys that was some real rocket science.

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

well, this video was designed for the 'little lady', don't cha know.

[@Masud8594]

@Jimmy James I came here bcz I thought it is something about no one knows OR maybe whatever we know is going to be wrong and he is going to tell us something else or new.

[@tripjet999]

@@davidhigginbotham5451 ...or, the little man.

[@cornfusedatbest6693]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but wouldn't the "blackened" ends be a good chance the bulb is on its way out?

[@rs12official]

Yes and no. Fluorescent tubes will blacken at the ends over time with use, but that does not always mean the tube is end-of-life. Some tubes will blacken at the ends while still having lots of life left. However, chances are that if a tube has a long, dark “sock” at the end, such as the one in this video, it is most likely dead.

[@Cathoholicism]

"replared"

[@DragonHuman00]

Brian Edwards Replared Flickering Fluorescent Light. Lots of L's lol

[@emilyannwilson7107]

I have almost the same fixture in my kitchen but it's only 2 bulbs and I cannot get the damn housing off to get the lights out to replace them 😒

[@ambersalcove]

I had big florescent light bulbs in my kitchen at one time and not only did they flicker they made a buzzing humming type of noise too well my house is also from the mid 70's

[@Jack-jz5yp]

so then it’s an electrical problem

[@SpiritsoftheWolf]

now that's has a magnetic rapid start ballast, far better than electronic ballast

[@rs12official]

Agreed. While I like electronic ballasts too, I sure do love the startup of good ol’ magnetic rapid start.

[@balsa61]

How do you remove the cover / translucent sheet?

[@All2Skitzd]

You just gotta kinda gently push up on and try to figure out which side goes upward easier, the push the side upward and as far to the corner as you can, then while that corner is up you got to try to get a long ways curve to it and if your lucky it will let you work the opposite corner out. If your fixtures are recessed in the wall take not of how the cover came out because sometimes they have to go back in the same direction or it wont fit

[@Savvyheat]

I'm replacing a small straight tube fluorescent bulb. Numbers are F10T5/830/L. I know the 'F' stands for Fluorescent. '10' for 10 inches long. 'T' for Tubular. '5' for 5/8th's Diameter. CAN you please tell me what the '830' and the 'L' stand for? Thanks in advance!

[@All2Skitzd]

Might wanna get a ruler on that bulb before buying a new one. 10 watt T5 830 is the color temp 830 is 3000K 835 is 3500K 841 is 4100K Not sure about tthe L

[@Savvyheat]

Thanks SO much! Are you able to provide me with the name of a vendor for these bulbs?

[@All2Skitzd]

Cj Marbrook In the light fixture that you are putting it in, does it have a switch where you have to hold it down for a second or two then release to turn it on? This should work, it's listed as a 2700K but it's really 3000K. Alternatively I would check Walmart for the bulb, A lot of the venders that sell the bulb you need cost about the same as just replacing the whole fixture and don't seem to be to reliable. www.homedepot.com/p/Philips-16-in-T5-10-Watt-Soft-White-2700K-Linear-Fluorescent-Light-Bulb-417279/202785728

[@bertmurillo1535]

I know that but my tubes are brand new/why is flickering on one of the lights/the other is OK

[@rs12official]

The ballast is bad.

[@DiepSpartan119]

My is flicker and it does turn black out in my room so I had to buy new one

[@Steve_K2]

My fixture looks like the one in the video, but the diffuser panel doesn't come out so easily. I think I'll need to drop the entire fixture, a 2-man job, with a screw in each end.

[@misterwebb1472]

Flickering could be a ballast

[@rs12official]

Indeed it could.

[@LeRouxMashinrou]

deym I thought I broke it xD now finally I saw the tube and theres a black spot on the edge so.. all I need is to buy a new tube.. Thanks!

[@normanwells2755]

So are you saying the ONLY cause of flickering is burned out or burning out tubes?

[@rs12official]

Flickering fluorescent tubes can also be caused by other things, such as the ballast, starter (if your fixture is preheat), wiring or even the sockets.

[@PaulHummerman]

My prong receptacle doesn't look like that.

[@haroldmeyer1828]

usually when you replace one of those light you replace them both because you replace only one the other one's going to go out before the new one so you replace them both so that's why they're both brand new

[@michaelhaydenbell]

??????????? You type how my 4 year old speaks.

[@friend6221]

When he took of the light don't you turn it off first?

[@LindaengelustrupBlogspot]

I tried this tip but it didn't work. Any tips?

[@tripjet999]

Check (or just replace) the ballast.

[@All2Skitzd]

It's standard practice to replace all the bulbs at the same time. Even if they are not having issues yet those type of bulbs get dimmer with age.

[@jm2224]

Is it normal that my flourescent has no starter?

[@blissextoll4864]

If your fluorescent bulb has no starter then it means that it uses an electronic ballast in place of a "choke" which does not need a starter. Also these days the tubes have inbuilt electronic circuits that have replaced chokes and starters.

[@stevenhoelderich9490]

Ok, you put a, new bulb in and it still flicked?

[@powdernitz]

how to change a light bulb...

[@joshuastrobel6826]

I must be in the 1% because I replaced all of them before I watched this video because I’m not an idiot. Now make another video please.

[@joshuastrobel6826]

Oops. Sorry. I’m an idiot.

[@VictorCastillo-jc5to]

You did not repair anything, you just change the light, great job! a 10 years old can do that without any directions LOL

[@rs12official]

I suppose it might not be obvious how to replace a fluorescent tube to some people, but I do think they could had gone into a little more detail such as choosing the correct bulbs and changing the ballast if needed.

[@10010011001100110101]

I thought he said 'My name is Robert your dad'

[@merveilmeok2416]

This is NOT a repair. It is a replacement. It's like saying you repaired your Chevy by buying a new one.

[@Yelawolf269]

Merveil Meok you would have to replace a Chevy every 2 months anyways (jk)

[@sana2marachly]

Merveil Meok g

[@sana2marachly]

How to change Landry at hostel

[@lennydelvecchio7716]

It is a repair. He repaired the defective light fixture by replacing a defective component within it.

[@OGWanderingNomad]

So you're saying, instead of changing 4 tires or even 2, you buy a new Chevy? It's maintenance. Buying 4 fluorescent tubes is a replacement and a repair for the flickering. The housing remains the same, does it not? If it was a housing unit replacement, then yes, it is a replacement. But he didn't.

[@quietrobert2010]

3 out of the 4 lights aren't coming back on

[@slapjohnson2808]

I dropped the lens while changing the bulbs and now I can't find a replacement in the right size. Bastages!

[@terrystroot2105]

Slap Johnson some stores will cut your cover (plastic) for you with your sizes but you have to ask them.

[@ElevatorWasher5000]

I can see them flicker all the time

[@cherylspringtime]

So I can't get my cover off

[@michaelhaydenbell]

K. Sorry to hear that.

[@titran712]

But right is burn the lamp

[@davidhigginbotham5451]

This video is SO housewife ready

[@shleprockshleprock]

Na....replaced all bulbs with new. Still flickering.

[@rs12official]

Bad ballast.

[@shleprockshleprock]

@@rs12official Na...I actually put the wrong bulbs in it. Too much wattage for the bulbs. They flickered for awhile then burned out. User error...

[@rs12official]

@@shleprockshleprock OK, glad you got it working!

[@shietzakaupf]

I like you bro.

[@sana2marachly]

how to put new tube bulbs

[@catlady8324]

Check back for his next video- "How to wipe your ass after taking a dump"! Thanks for watching.

[@davidmajinian2226]

Really?

[@JoseValencia-fr8wh]

So just Change the light bulb🤨

[@sana2marachly]

G0

[@jungbechtospk40]

Woodglut has a lot of plans to choose from.

[@harrystevens3885]

He found and replaced a faulty part so it was a repair.

[@sana2marachly]

J

[@robinpricevideos]

I would stick with installing tile. Let's hope you're better at doing that.

[@rs12official]

I find it weird that they hired the tile guy to do this video, but he should had gone over other causes of flicker in fluorescent lights, such as the ballast.

[@CANADA-fq9fh]

For anyone who wants to fix a flickering light 💡, all you need to do is to make a video and say, my light needs a replacement and then wait and see what people will think of you.....phucking hilarious 🤓🤓🤓

[@jakeblack212]

Say that 3 x fast

[@manuelalvarez25]

WTF","""

[@brackcycle9056]

Here is a video of how to eat it after you replace it .. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rX-7i4uBbddpr6M

[@tommie7996]

repair lmao

[@mirelurk-fish7387]

That light fixture is a home decor crime and should had been left in 1999

[@rs12official]

I, for one, actually like fluorescent lights. I think the awful LED lights that people put in these days are a crime. I will be sticking to fluorescent.

[@jeffskingley6042]

All I can say is Duh!🤪

[@lukemckeown8205]

Bet he's a laugh at party's not, ffs talk about stating the obv

[@franklee2683]

Ok. Obvious. My prob is prob a starter or ballast. Next video...

[@graceschultz1286]

Florescent starter

[@rs12official]

Fluorescent ballast.

[@mattr4886]

Tube florescent bulb/lights are lame. They're fickle in when and how they operate and hard to dispose of with their mercury content. (Rant completed)

[@rs12official]

LED bulbs are worse than lame, they are downright awful! They flicker, burn out after 1/10 the rated life, many LED tube retrofits are dim as heck, and some even have horrible glare. Fluorescent is reliable, built to last, have high quality light with no glare, are bright, are reliable, and many don’t flicker or hum. I don’t know why people deem LED junk acceptable, but fluorescent is sooo much better! Rant completed.

[@Cheekychino]

Good "repair" job, ffs.

[@b4real246]

How to REPAIR??? Please! You mean how to REPLACE!

[@trinashama3797]

Should just be called how to replace a lightbulb. If that's all I needed, I wouldntbe watching utube. Waste of time.