Comments on How to Replace a Fluorescent Lightbulb

I have several fluorescent fixtures. I have replaced the bulbs due to dimming, blinking, or just not coming on. The answer was not in a new bulb. There is no ballast or silver cylinder or starter. I guess I will have to buy new fixtures. To pay someone to repair a starter that is inside the fixture will probably cost more than the fixture. Why couldn't they just leave the starter on the outside for us to replace? Anyone got any suggestions for me? Thank you.

Thanks this solved all my problems.

AUNTGG, You are confusing the starter with the ballast. The cylindrical thing that you can replace is called a starter, and you will sound foolish if you take that into the hardware store and ask for a ballast. Most modern fixtures don't even have a starter.The ballast is hidden, and you need to have an electrician replace it. Also, be aware that if the fixture has two or more tubes, they should all be replaced at the same time.

AUNTGG, You are confusing the starter with the ballast. The cylindrical thing that you can replace is called a starter, and you will sound foolish if you take that into the hardware store and ask for a ballast. Most modern fixtures don't even have a starter.The ballast is hidden, and you need to have an electrician replace it. Also, be aware that if the fixture has two or more tubes, they should all be replaced at the same time.

AFTER YOU REMOVE THE TUBES .HOW DO YOU GET TO THE STARTERS?

safety tip- if you want to change a tube when the power is on - no biggie. as you put one end of the tube in and while lining up the prongs dont touch the prongs on the other end, it will be a very nasty shock, around 4-5 hundred volts.

I own a Master Bilt FIP50 cake display case with the flourescent light on the outside. The ballast has been replaced and so has the bulb and starter. The light still flickers, but sometimes when i take the starter out the bulb stays on for a while. Is it possible the Starter Socket is the actual problem?

I own a Master Bilt FIP50 cake display case with the flourescent light on the outside. The ballast has been replaced and so has the bulb and starter. The light still flickers, but sometimes when i take the starter out the bulb stays on for a while. Is it possible the Starter Socket is the actual problem?

I own a Master Bilt FIP50 cake display case with the flourescent light on the outside. The ballast has been replaced and so has the bulb and starter. The light still flickers, but sometimes when i take the starter out the bulb stays on for a while. Is it possible the Starter Socket is the actual problem?

Help...we have changed everything above....and done something with a ground wire...(my husband does not know that I am posting)....When the light is flicked on...the light just can't get it on....It flicks around just like it did before trying to fix it in the first place. What a waste...

Help...we have changed everything above....and done something with a ground wire...(my husband does not know that I am posting)....When the light is flicked on...the light just can't get it on....It flicks around just like it did before trying to fix it in the first place. What a waste...

Thanks for the correction about the starter/ballast issue. Primarily I was talking about changing the bulb. The main point of my comment is that the directions given in the original post say to push up on the plastic diffuser and tilt it out to remove it, in order to change the bulb. This would not work for many modern fixtures--and would result in a cracked diffuser or a cut hand. I fortunately only cracked the diffuser! That's when I found out that a large percentage of such fixtures are accessed solely by tipping down or swinging out, the wooden or decorative surrounding material. The diffuser is not touched at all. Thanks again.

I've discovered, after an hour of trying to take out the diffuser without cutting my hand, and finally hiring a handyman, that my fixture--and many in modern kitchens--has a wooden surrounding that tilts down. The diffuser is not touched at all. By titling up and down on the wooden or other decorative border, one can access not only the bulb and ballast, but could replace the diffuser as well. Fluorescent lights in garages and offices often require the diffuser to be removed, but even that isn't the case with newer fixtures. Thanks!

I've discovered, after an hour of trying to take out the diffuser without cutting my hand, and finally hiring a handyman, that my fixture--and many in modern kitchens--has a wooden surrounding that tilts down. The diffuser is not touched at all. By titling up and down on the wooden or other decorative border, one can access not only the bulb and ballast, but could replace the diffuser as well. Fluorescent lights in garages and offices often require the diffuser to be removed, but even that isn't the case with newer fixtures. Thanks!