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Thread ID: 138038 2014-09-27 05:29:00 Fluorescent tube question johcar (6283) PC World Chat
Post ID Timestamp Content User
1384850 2014-09-27 05:29:00 I have a 5 ft fluorescent tube (at least 14 years old and a little grey at one end) which flickers like mad when switched on and doesn't stop flickering. This started a few weeks ago - it was working fine up to this point.

Can anyone tell me whether this is likely to be a problem with the wee starter unit or the tube itself?
johcar (6283)
1384851 2014-09-27 05:47:00 The tube

(I see replacing the starter a bit like replacing the battery on a motherboard - it never does the trick)
BBCmicro (15761)
1384852 2014-09-27 05:54:00 Cheers - will wander down to the lighting shop tomorrow johcar (6283)
1384853 2014-09-27 06:47:00 At that age, surely the old fella should go to a museum, or Ripleys.

Ken
kenj (9738)
1384854 2014-09-27 10:19:00 Because of the tube's contents you can gently run your hand from the flickering end to the other and for a while the tube will fully light.

You need to do this every time until it doesn't work any more. I think you are wise to get a new tube soonest.
Bryan (147)
1384855 2014-09-27 10:35:00 Try turning the tube end for end. Not joking. Black ends at the ends of the tube is a sure sign of old age. If you DO replace the tube then I would replace the canister starter as well. Also I assume the tube is the old 38mm dia, not todays 20(?) mm dia. If the fitting runs noisy then it is time to get rid of it & buy a new one. If you go for a new tube be aware that the two most popular colours are Cool White & Warm White. Check the writing on the old tube. PJ Poppa John (284)
1384856 2014-09-27 21:53:00 Because of the tube's contents you can gently run your hand from the flickering end to the other and for a while the tube will fully light.

You need to do this every time until it doesn't work any more. I think you are wise to get a new tube soonest.

The sparky use to do that at where I worked. The tube's were running 24/7.
kahawai chaser (3545)
1384857 2014-09-28 08:09:00 Don't muck around. Replace the tube and the starter. Neither are expensive. Even a new fitting is not very dear.

If that doesn't solve all the problems give a us a call. I will be in Auckland on Tuesday.
tut (12033)
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