Lighting problem

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I've been a member here since 2006 but post very little.

I have a question concerning the 4 foot double lights in my shop.

The shop was built in 2004 and in the last few months I can walk in the shop an flip the 3 light switches and I may get 4 or 5 lights may come on,,if I flip them on and off most might light up.

This is aggravating,I am not a electrician and I have replaced a few bulbs but that hasn't helped,,,ideas? HRP

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Sounds like the ballasts are going out.

What brand and model are they?

 

[slip knot]

The little 2 bulb 4ft floro lights are pretty crappy to start with. After 10-11 yrs they probably are way past their life expectancy. I would look at replacing/upgrading them.

 

[Richard Cranium]

agree it sounds like your ballast's are going out.

 

[phiftyseven]

Probably T12 fixtures. If you choose to replace ballasts, be aware that you'll have to re-wire the sockets if you upgrade to T8 ballasts (which are much better). Might be easier and more economical to install new, more efficient fixtures.

 

[Eriehunter]

Happens in my shop all the time, you are probably in an area with high humidity. The ends of the fixture build up a little resistance due to the humidity and condensation, the lamps need to be taken out and the pins of the lamps cleaned. You can use electrical contact cleaner.

Let us know if that helps.

 

[cybrdyke]

It's doubtful that it's the ballasts, per your description. More likely the switch contacts are shot or the lamp sockets are getting corroded.
Good luck
CD

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thats a good point. I skipped over the 3 switches. OP, when u turn on one switch do some lights come on and others dont? If none then yes the switch has an issue otherwise, it wouldnt be the switch as some lights are working on the same switch....

 

[FloydShine]

I have been chasing the same problem for some time. I went the route of replacing the ballast units in a couple of the lights, that did seem to help those two lights, but I have found that the problem is related to the degree of humidity in the air. Use of a dehumidifier and more use of AC has helped. I believe it is a contact pin issue, in conjunction with old 10 year plus light fixtures. If you have a ballast issue you will know right away by removing the cover plate/reflector, there will be burnt brown tar like goo that has leaked out of the ballast. Turn the power off first!

 

[HOTRODPRIMER]

I noticed that when the weather was cold,all the lights came on instantly .but during the warmer months the problem was more prevalent

I ended up replacing the fixtures,it was actually cheaper than replacing the ballast. HRP

 

[Bert_]

I could be wrong but it sounds to me like they were the cheap, crappy "shop lights" that are sold in the big box stores, the ones that usually come with a cord and pull chain.

If that was the case then the trash is the best place for them. Hopefully the new lights you bought are a little higher quality...

 

[Shiftless]

Thank you HOTRODPRIMER for the follow up.
So many guys ask a question, get a few suggestions and then we never hear from them again. Glad to hear you got good lights up in your shop.