T12 Fluorescent bulb problem..

[DARK AGE 53]

Never had any problems when changing out my 48" 40W T12 bulbs until now. I needed to replace some of the bulbs because they had burned out, bought a box of ten so I would have some left over. The replacement bulbs just just don't fire up, they just flicker but never come on totally. Markings on the new bulbs read F40/CWX, old bulbs F40/CWP, what gives? Thanks

 

[Nuckingfuts]

Sounds like the ballast is bad.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Yep, time to install some new electronic ballasts and some T8 lamps and get yourself some more light.

Charles

 

[joeysh03]

If its an old ballast it probably doesn't have the power output to completely light the bulbs. Ballast are cheap just upgrade to T8.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

Thanks for the replies, not sure what the problem was but it works fine now. Again, thanks for the replies.

 

[LS6 Tommy]

New fluorescent bulbs sometimes need a "burn in" period.

Tommy

 

[DenisG]

As a cheap fix, you can drape a long piece of aluminum foil over the tube (between the fixture and the tube). Helps start-up and helps reflect more light.

 

[DARK AGE 53]

New fluorescent bulbs sometimes need a "burn in" period.

Tommy

Learn something new everyday, thanks.