Replacing A Fluorescent Light

Frequently Asked Questions

1. QUESTION:
   How do I replace a fluorescent light with 3 recessed lights? I have a fluorescent light in my kitchen that I need to get rid of. I've read up about adding recessed lights and they all say "run the power source to the light." Okay, but I'd like to get rid of the fluorescent, and swap it with 3 new recessed lights. I've also read when you replace lights to make sure you don't go over the current wattage. As it is now, there are two 40W fluorescent bulbs. I'd like to replace them with 3 60W energy saving bulbs, so it would actually be 14W each (42W total). So finally my question is: can I simply kill power to the room, disconnect the electrical line from the fluorescent, remove the fluorescent fixture, put three recessed lights in the same vicinity, split the electrical cable into 3 parts (3 red & 3 white), and connect that to my 3 new lights? Is that doable or is there something I'm not understanding. Thank you for the help.
   
   • ANSWER:
     You got it. Usually the wire will be black and white rather than red, but you are understanding it ok. Your wattage is fine. With the wire that is there you can even go bigger on the bulbs with no problem. 14 ga wire will handle 1400 watts total and that is the smallest wire used in home wiring. So even 3 100 watt bulbs would be fine. You are correct in your wiring. Make sure your connections are tight. Tug each wire to make sure it will not slip out of the wire nut.
     
2. QUESTION:
   How easy is it to replace a fluorescent light fixture in the kitchen? I have a flourescsent light fixture in the kitchen which I do not like. The fixture uses two U-shaped flourescent tubes and is a pain in the neck (literally) to change the tubes. I'm thinking of changing the fixture into a ceiling light that uses compact flourescent bulbs instead. Because the fixture uses the U-shaped tubes, would replacing the fixture be any more difficult than if I was to replace a light fixture that didn't use a fluorescent light fixture? Is there anything special I'd have to do? thx
   
   • ANSWER:
     The only thing u have to do is turn off the breaker, and install the fixture of your choice. you don't need to hire an electrician or anyone else. Kill the power...Verify that its off. disconnect wiring. black to black, white to white, green or bare wire to the fixture body..make darn sure your connections are tight, secure fixture to box or ceiling....sit back and enjoy
     
3. QUESTION:
   Is there anyway to cheaply replace fluorescent light fixtures? I am renting an apartment, and they have the "school room" fluorescent lights in all the rooms. They're hideous and bland. Is there anyway to replace the covers for them, with something modern... or a cheap way to replace them all together?. I looked online, and the fixtures are ridiculously expensive. Any ideas???
   
   • ANSWER:
     First off, you probably should have permission from the landlord before you make changes to the apartment. Not too many landlords want tenants messing around with electrical issues. Second off, if you get permission, you should hire a licensed electrician to do this. Too much liability for you if you DIY and burn the place down (think of the other tenants). As far as 'cheap' goes, you are probably going to be out of luck. Some florescent fixtures can take a variety of diffusers. But, I doubt that they are going to be cheap. Sorry if it isn't the answer that you wanted. But, I do believe that it is the truth.
     
4. QUESTION:
   How much energy is saved by replacing fluorescent lights with sky lights in a school building? Only serious answers please...this is important. Thank you! :]
   
   • ANSWER:
     Skylights are a two way street in terms of energy usage. They do allow natural light into the building which can reduce the amount of electric light needed. On the other side of the equation the roof is where most of a building's heat loss happens. A skylight does not have as much insulating value as the rest of the roof so the heat lost through a skylight is an energy loss. In hot weather the skylight can be an unwelcome heat source from the sun adding to A/C costs. Because weather conditions vary from day to day and seasonally its difficult to determine the energy loss or gain from skylights.
     
5. QUESTION:
   Does anyone get migraines triggered by fluorescent light (energy efficient) bulbs? I am dreading the day that they replace light bulbs everywhere with these. I am very sensitive and sometimes they can trigger migraines. I am wondering if anybody else has experiences this. I also can get migraines with flashing lights (like a light bulb that is going out at the office) or with a camera flash.
   
   • ANSWER:
     These things can also trigger epileptic seizures. The tube flashes on and off with the alternating electric current that powers them. That's why you can see flicker in old dying ones. As far the light emitted by common fluorescent lights, it is NOT A FULL SPECTRUM OF WAVELENGTHS. You should have FULL spectrum fluorescent tubes to replace the bulbs, NOT mercury vapor tubes as is most common, and you will find the light easier on the eyes.
     
6. QUESTION:
   When installing a fluorescent light fixture, where to I run the wires from the ceiling to the light? I'm replacing a fluorescent light fixture. My old fixture has a big square hole in the middle. The black and white wires from the ceiling run through the hole and connect to the black and white wires in the fixture. However, this new fixture doesn't have a big hole in the middle. There are some really small holes though. Where exactly do I run the wires through? i'm using a lithonia brand two bulb light fixture
   
   • ANSWER:
     There should be at least one 1/2 inch knockout for this purpose, be sure however to protect the wires by using a 1/2 inch plastic bushing or romex connector that pops right into the hole. Make sure you connect the proper wires to the fixture wires & ground to the green screen screw on the fixture.
     
7. QUESTION:
   can I replace fluorescent lighting with track ilghting? I have a boring old wide fluorescent light in my kitchen which looks dated and I'd like to replace it with some track lighting. Is it jus a matter of replacing the fixture itself or, will it require some rewiring?
   
   • ANSWER:
     If the lighting now is on a switch or switch's, your all set to go. You can replace the fixtures and more than likely repaint the ceiling since I ll guess the fluorescent fixtures are a different size and have been up awhile. GL
     
8. QUESTION:
   Internet resources for replacing a fluorescent light with an incandescent light? We have a very ugly fluorescent light in our kitchen and we would like to replace it with an incandescent light. However, when I've been searching online for how-to information, it's very hard to come by. Most information is just about the benefits of having a fluorescent light over incandescent, which brings me to my first portion of the question: even if I put in an incandescent light, couldn't I still put in the compact fluorescent bulbs and save on the energy consumption/cost? Secondly, I need to find a good resource that can explain the process for doing the switch. A video would be ideal, but anything with good step by step instructions and accompanying photos would work. Thanks!
   
   • ANSWER:
     I think all you have to do is change the fixture, which is relatively easy as home projects go. With older fixtures(which is what I suspect you have) there won't be any incandescent bulbs to fit that. Thats why the whole fixture has to go. Just make sure the electricity is off to the room you are working in. Look for information on changing the fixture and you will find what you are looking for. http://www.ehow.com/how_2296169_change-light-fixtures.html http://www.squidoo.com/lightfixture I included a couple of links but there are many. A good investment is a how to fix thing around the house book. Many of these are at the library for free or at book stores to buy.
     
9. QUESTION:
   Replacing a Fluorescent Light Bulb Transformer? I am behind in technology, I just found out they changed the Magnetic Transformers into Electric Transformers lol. There is no store that sells the exact version, however, they sell a version very similar. I am not very knowledgeable on this subject, so I wanted to know if you guys knew the answer. I want to replace the Advance Transformer R-2E75-S-3-TP with this model http://www.amazon.com/Satco-F96T12-Instant-Slimline-Ballast/dp/B000UX3YB4/ref=sr_1_13?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1325902416&sr=1-13 I was just wondering if this is safe/possible? For extra information, I want to use this for 2 F96T12 60W 1.15~Amp fluorescent light bulbs.
   
   • ANSWER:
     I totally agree with Stan. The new fixtures come with electronic ballasts which should be more reliable than the old transformer ballasts. Furthermore, 48" tubes are commonplace, come in a wide variety of color temperatures, and are reasonably priced. We had an old, 8' fluorescent fixture in our laundry room. The ballast died a horrible and smelly death. We replaced it with three, 4' fixtures. It was a very good decision. If you are capable of replacing a ballast transformer, then you should be capable of wiring for an additional, 4' fixture to give you more light, if you wish. Just make sure power to the lights is off before you start work and make sure to get your work inspected by the municipality/county you live in.
     
10. QUESTION:
    How can I fix my Fluorescent light? I have a fluorescent light in my bathroom. It started to flicker so I replace the light bulbs. Two weeks later, it is doing it again? What is the problem? How do I fix it?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Sounds like you need a new ballast, the black rectangular object inside the fixture. Turn off the light, remove the lamp/s and pan. Inside you will see a ballast with 8 wires. Disconnect the black and white wires. Now cut the red, blue and yellow wires, about 6 inches from the ballast. Remove the ballast supporting screw and the ballast will come out. It is heavier than it appears, so be ready. It may also be leaking a tarry substance, avoid touching this. Make note of the numbers on the ballast (eg. F40 - T12) and dispose of it. Install a ballast with the same markings. Connect the wires colour to colour, 1 red to 1 red, 1 blue to 1 blue, 1 yellow to 1 yellow and the same with the rest. Last connections are white to white and black to black. Use marrettes to make these joints. (Be sure to pick up new lamp/s and 6 # 31 marrettes when buying the ballast.) Reinstall the pan and lamps. That's it, hit the switch.
      
11. QUESTION:
    Can I replace a fluorescent light fixture with ballast with a florescent light fixture without a ballast? My kitchen light fixture cover fell off, the clips that held the cover in place all cracked off. the light and ballast, florescent tubes (2 of them) all work, they are just ugly and I want to replace them. Since there is a ballast, I am unsure if I can replace them with a light fixture that doesn't have a ballast.
    
    • ANSWER:
      If you replace to ENTIRE fixture, it doesn't matter what the old fixture used. The NEW fixture should have everything needed to connect directly to your home wiring.
      
12. QUESTION:
    How to fault detect a bad fluorescent light fixture? A few of my under counter fluorescent fixtures in the kitchen don't work. they are all less than 3 years old. I replace the light bulb, but it still doesn't light. How do you test what part of the fixture has failed- ie the ballast, a connection, etc
    
    • ANSWER:
      It is actually quite uncommon to find flourescent fixtures that use starters anymore unless they are very old. If the fixture is that old it would most likely be cost effective to simple replace the fixture. Starters are not expensive, but may be difficult to find and there are more energy efficient fixtures on the market today that also offer more pleasing light colors. If your fixture is newer and doesnt have a starter or even if it does have a starter there will be a ballast and this is the most likely reason for failure or the light to come on. A ballast is simply a transformer that boosts your household voltage to a voltage that is needed to cause the gas inside the tube to "burn". Standard mechanical ballasts will eventually wear out. This is often evidenced by visually inspecting the ballast where you will often times find a black tarry substance leaking from the case of the ballast. The ballast, by the way, will be located inside the cover of the fixture, it is not exposed. Newer flourescent fixtures will have an electronic ballast that often will look like a small printed circuit board like that as you may find in a radio. If you feel comfortable replacing the ballast it is a fairly simple procedure. First be absolutely sure that you have turned the circuit off before attempting to replace a ballast. Simply turning the light switch off is not good enough. You can check to see that the circuit is off by testing with a circuit tester that does not require live contact. These are available at hardware stores. The tester will "chirp" if voltage is present. Also once you think the circuit is off, check with a "wiggy" tester, also available from a hardware store. This tester requires live contact with the wiring. Always check your testers on a known live outlet before proceeding to the circuit in question to ensure that the tester works properly. Once you are sure the circuit is turned off you can proceed with replacing the ballast. It is a simple process of disconnecting the wires from the faulty ballast and removing it then install the new ballast matching the colors of the wires. To make sure that you purchase the correct ballast you can either look at the label of the old ballast or tell the clerk at the store about your fixture. Is it an 8 foot, 2 tube fixture or a 4 foot 4 tube, 18 inch single tube fixture, just let the clerk know. Again consider that if the fixture is old just replacing the entire fixture. Warning: You have been told to be sure the circuit is off before working on the fixture. Household current can be DEADLY if you come into contact with it. If you do not understand how to use a circuit tester or are at all uncomfortable with working with electricity call an electrician. This type of repair is quite inexpensive and you will be certain that the job is done right and safely. I will assume NO responsibility if you decide to perform this repair yourself. Often times it is much less costly to hire a professional than to put yourself at risk.
      
13. QUESTION:
    does the landlord or renter replace fluorescent overhead lights? we have a fluorescent light on the ceiling of our kitchen, it is like one of those big bulbs with 4 feet of twisted pipe that looks pricey to replace. At first I thought as the renters we should replace the light bulbs, but my roommates insist our landlord should do it. I found here questions confirming my stance, but they all seem to be talking about regular screw in incandescent type light bulbs
    
    • ANSWER:
      You (the renter) pay for light bulbs. I have the florescent ones you're talking about in my bathroom, only they are smaller, but they still cost about each...I pay for them. The landlord wasn't using them to make them burn out, you were.
      
14. QUESTION:
    Replace fluorescent lights with rope lights? I have fluorescent lights underneath my cabinets in the kitchen. Is it possible to replace them with rope lights that can connect to a light switch?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes, it's possible, BUT... IF the light wiring is connected directly "INTO" a light switch, that project needs to be done either by an Electrician, OR someone who really KNOWS WHAT he/she is doing!!!!! Another remote possibility is, IF you have a receptacle that is CONTROLLED BY a light switch, then plug the light string into that outlet. Another less expensive option is to simply plug and unplug the light string as needed.
      
15. QUESTION:
    Flickering fluorescent light replaced, still flickering!!? We have two fluorescent lights in our shop. They are both plugged in to the same outlet. One of them was flickering so we replaced the bulbs. It still flickered so we figured it was a bad ballast and replaced that too. The damned light is still flickering! So we switched the plugs in the outlet and it made no difference. So we thought maybe that outlet couldn't take having two lights plugged in, so we unplugged the one not flickering.. Still made no difference. Damned thing is still flickering. Any suggestions? Herb, The first fixture we had for about a year before we could replace it. We replaced it entirely. Fixture and bulbs are all brand new. We got the bulbs the package said to get. Tried the bulb swapping, same light still flickers. But it can't be the ballast, that was the first thing we replaced.
    
    • ANSWER:
      To complete the troubleshooting i would recommend you move the lamps to a different outlet. Preferably on a different circuit. If they no longer flicker then atleast you can isolate the issue to the outlet and not the lights.
      
16. QUESTION:
    Why the traditional Idea bulb as an incandescent light bulb is replaced by Fluorescent light bulb? why is it happening so ?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Energy efficiency. An incandescent bulb wastes a lot of power as heat, as the filament must glow "white hot" to emit white light. The fluorescent light emission is a (near) cold process. Thus more energy efficient, less power is required to produce white light.
      
17. QUESTION:
    In NYC ConEd replaced light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps but now I can't insert a regular bulb? Seems like there is a piece of plastic left in the light fitting which prevents a normal edison screw bulb from fitting in there... I guess to force us to use the CFLs. This happened in the bathroom with the vanity lights - so there aren't many standards for that.
    
    • ANSWER:
      A CFL fits in the exact same socket as an incandescent. If you can't gt a regular bulb in there look for something broken in the socket. Do not look for a conspiracy.
      
18. QUESTION:
    How to pick standard fluorescent light bulbs? I want to replace my incandescent light bulbs with standard fluorescent light bulbs but the problem is that fluorescent light bulbs happens to be extremely dim and the area in which light spreads is really small. I bought a 150W replacement which consumes 30W but when i compare the luminosity and area which light spreads is worse than a 80W incandescent light bulb. Any tips on how to choose the right fluorescent light bulb?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Fluorescent lights are good way to provide natural light spectrum to your indoor garden while cutting down the waste heat produced by the light bulbs. you can find better options as per your requirement...
      
19. QUESTION:
    If we replace light bulbs with fluorescent ones, what do we do with the unwanted incandescent ones we removed? Won't they just end up in the waste stream? Is there a eco-freiendly way to discard them? I now have only fluorescent bulbs throught out my home, but I'm also stuck with a box full of incandescent bulbs I don't want and probably can't even give away
    
    • ANSWER:
      I have to take a different position that a few of the other answerers here. While there are non-profits, schools, and poor people who might gladly accept your old incandescent bulbs, you must NOT let them get re-used. Why not? Because then there might not be an actual reduction in carbon emissions. Think about it. Your old bulb created a relatively large amount of carbon emission. Your new CFL bulb will create much less carbon emission, but it will still generate some. If you give your old bulb to someone who might not have otherwise used that bulb, there could well be a NET INCREASE in global warming as a result of your actions - as both your old bulb and a new one would be in use. "Our goal is not just to reduce our PERSONAL carbon emissions, but to think about how to reduce OVERALL carbon emissions, also." You will be hard pressed to find a convenient way to recycle your old bulbs. I fear your best bet is to simply throw them away. Yes, you are prematurely increasing trash going to landfill, but I believe that's a reasonable trade-off for the certainty of years of reduced carbon emissions. GreenJoe.com says "Out with the brown, in with the green!"
      
20. QUESTION:
    how do you replace a fluorescent light and what if it doesnt turn on when you change the bulb? you wouldnt think this would be such a hard task, but i am having soo much trouble trying to figure out why these new bulbs wont turn on ...
    
    • ANSWER:
      Hire an insured handyman. Mark
      
21. QUESTION:
    My loft fluorescent light isn't working. I've tried replacing the starter and bulb, which didn't work? ? I've tried both of these things, and have verified that the new ones work by testing them in a similar light in the kitchen. I've noticed a grey cable running from the light to the switch, and have checked inside the switch, all of which seems to be fastened correctly. Any help would be greatly appreciated. croasr
    
    • ANSWER:
      Is it a fused switch, in which case check the fuse? Then check your fuse board- the light may have been put in on a dedicated fuse and the micro switch may have tripped. Follow the wire back and see if it is broken anywhere- it may have been chewed by rodents, though one would expect the RCD to trip in that case. Finally, have you removed or switched off anything else that is normally on? I’m thinking that whoever installed the light in the loft ran it from another circuit (a 'spur’) and it may be reliant on another switch being on. Finally, the fitting itself may be faulty. Apart from that , don’t know! Good luck- and be careful. Electricity kills!
      
22. QUESTION:
    Any tips on replacing fluorescent bulbs with LEDs in light box displays? Several days ago,I have got a LED display from http://www.stage-lights.com/ProductsType/Outdoor-Full-color-LED-Display.htm yet I cannot figure out how to assemble? Are there any tips on replacing flurescent bulbs with LEDs in light box displays? Please have you suggestive solutions as well as instructions.
    
    • ANSWER:
      You might as well try to consult seller from the original site.
      
23. QUESTION:
    Do all 4 feet, two bulb, fluorescent light fixtures give off the same brightness? I would like to replace a flourescent light fixture in my bedroom. Do all two bulb, 4 feet fixtures give off the same light? I've seen some cheaper ones called utility lights. Will they work?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Anything will work in there as long as the ballast can supply the correct voltage. It's pretty standardized. The rule of thumb is that if the tube will fit, it will light. Between coatings, operating pressures, gasses, electrodes, and voltages from ballast, there is a lot of variation in light brightness and quality. Just find what you like.
      
24. QUESTION:
    How do I fix Fluorescent light? I recently installed 4(2 bulb) fluorescent lights -about a month ago. They worked fine til recently one bulb in one light went out. Replaced bulb same thing??? New fixtures so no "starter". If ballast was bad wouldn't it affect both bulbs?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Its not the Ballast first of all. Sometimes bulbs will go bad fast depending on shipping mishandling where inner filaments are damaged some or manufacturers. Just replace both bulbs instead of just 1. See how long it will last. If they burn out again then you have a short in the end connectors. Dont bother changing the ballasts.I recommend a return for a totally new fixture before the manufacturer warranty runs out.
      
25. QUESTION:
    will a regular fluorescent light fixture work with a blacklight lightbulb? i have a normal average fluorescent light fixture like one you would find in a store or a school. my question is would i be able to just take a black light lightbulb and replace the normal white one? or is there a difference in the two light tubes?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes.
      
26. QUESTION:
    Can I replace a fluorescent tube light fixture (like the ones in an office) with a normal incandescent one? My house was built in the 80s and the washrooms, kitchen and basement all use the fluorescent tubes. I want to slowly start changing them all.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes. You would just have to change out the fixture to something you like. I personally prefer fluorescents, but everyone is entitled to their own opinion.
      
27. QUESTION:
    We recently had to replace a wall mounted fluorescent light, with a smaller one, what to do with wires? It was a wall mounted light above the kitchen sink. The wires previously ran behind the light, but since the new one is smaller they have to run across the front of the wood plate. I was thinking white electrician's tape, or to simply paint over them. Drilling another hole to run the wire isn't necessarily an option currently. Looking for a reasonable temporary solution that is more appealing to the eye than simply leaving the wires exposed. The light is mounted on the lower part of the windows that are above our kitchen sink. The wood is maybe 1/4 or 1/2 inch thick and runs the length of the wall. Also, it is about 12 inches from the sink, so placing something to hide it is out of the question.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Surface mounted raceways may be your answer. Search "surface raceway" for Ideas of whats available. Most home centers carry them, or can order them for you. Good luck.
      
28. QUESTION:
    Do all compact fluorescent light bulbs make that annoying humming sound when you turn them on? I just replaced my burnt out light bulbs in my room with compact fluorescent ones & when ever they are on, they make a really annoying humming/buzzing sound like the larger ones do. Are there any particular types or brands that don't or am I stuck with the sound.
    
    • ANSWER:
      the balasts or faulty and you may be near other electrical.
      
29. QUESTION:
    Is it possible to change a 4' standard fluorescent light fixture ballast and replace with a 3' bulb? Is it possible to use the same ballast from a 4 feet light fixture and use it with a 3 feet florescent light bulb?
    
    • ANSWER:
      The fluorescent ballasts are designed to operate specifically desingned fluorescent bulbs. It takes a higher voltage to start a 4 foot fluorescent bulb than a 3 foot fluorescent bulb. You will definitely greatly shorten the life of the 3 foot fluorescent bulb if you connect it to a fluroescent ballast desingned for a 4 foot fluorescent bulb if it does not burn out almost immediately.
      
30. QUESTION:
    Can you replace a fluorescent ceiling light with a regular current one?
    
    • ANSWER:
      You can, the wires that feed the ballast can be connected to regular sockets. You won't greatly increase the power you use if you select CFL lamps. Be selective about what style of fixture you select, most incandescent bulbs are being eliminated, you will probably end up using CFL or LED lamps after all.
      
31. QUESTION:
    Why is my fluorescent kitchen light staying ON even when the switch on OFF and even disconnected? A few days ago the fixture stayed ON when I switched it to OFF and has stayed on at full strength since then. I pulled the fuse today and took out the wall switch, planning to get another and replace it. The light came BACK ON when I replaced the fuse, even with the switch sitting on the table. What should I do?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Do other fluorescent lights light up as well, if so you may have something in or near your house emitting a strong electromagnetic field. An EMF can light fluorescent bulbs without them being screwed in. Take a fluorescent bulb and get it close to one of those plasma ball things like at Spencer's. When it gets close the bulb will light up. The EMF excites the particles and the bulb lights.
      
32. QUESTION:
    How do you remove wires from fluorescent light sockets? I need to replace a ballast in a fluorescent light fixture but can't remove the wires from the sockets. I can push the wires in but not out. Is there some way to remove them or are these going to have to be replaced? Is it normal to have to replace the sockets when you replace the ballast? Thanks
    
    • ANSWER:
      They DO come out of the sockets and that IS the right way to fix them. With the power off take a pliers and grip the wire close to the socket. Pull and twist until the wire comes out. it's not soldered or anything so feel free to pull hard, just hang on to the socket so you don't break it. Simply push in the new wire and you're done.
      
33. QUESTION:
    Which uses less energy? A LED track lighting fixture or a fluorescent lighting fixture? In replacing my lighting fixture, I'm trying to figure out which might be more energy efficient. Would it be, an LED track lighting fixture with four 50W bulbs, or a square fluorescent lighting fixture with two 40W tubes?
    
    • ANSWER:
      There isn't much difference there. I would be more concerned about the light the fixture puts out and how it affects my eyes. Watts divided by voltage (ballast not line) = amps. Amps make the meter spin. At 120 V you are looking at .3 to .4 amp difference between the two.
      
34. QUESTION:
    Fluorescent light needs replaced? I have two, four foot T12 light strips. The lights have been taking longer and longer to turn on. An electrician said I need a ballast and that I might as well get new strips (fixtures). I got some new T12 strips and then saw that people favored T8s. So I returned them and saw that T8s are more expensive, so got the T12s again. Then I read about starters, but I can't find one on either one of these. I'm wondering now if I really need to replace these or just the tubes (bulbs).
    
    • ANSWER:
      Hello. My name is Richie. I am a 26 year electrician and a home improvement expert. I will help you the best I can. Consider this, get rid of the fixture and get a new one or replace the ballast with a new one that is for T8 lamps. T12 lamps are phased out. They are no longer made since last year, same goes for 100 watt incandescent bulbs. &5 watt bulbs will go next. If you go to Lowes, a two lamp ballasts cost and a four lamp ballast cost . Then you need new T8 lamps. Most are a pair. Don't worry, the T8 lamps pin ratio is the same as the T12. Good luck and God Bless. Jesus Christ loves you.
      
35. QUESTION:
    Can I replace my tank light with fluorescent light? I have the Aqueon 10 and I have some brackish fish (figure 8 puffer, getting some bumblebee gobies) and it looks weird because they are part saltwater fish in an orange light. The color of the light looks really ugly, and I was wondering if I could replace it with a fluorescent one? Also, I want to replace my gravel with sand. How do I do that without getting rid of the beneficial bacteria? @Harsh How do I siphon something out? Do I need any extra materials @Harsh and Pytr I have a hose but its old and I didn't know the term for it. I will probably get it when I get my gobies (tank is new)
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes, fluorescent lights are good as are halides. What looks nice in reef aquariums is a 50/50 blue/white light. To change from gravel to sand, siphon out half of your water into a bucket, put all ornaments, plants and fish into that bucket. I suggest putting your heater in the bucket to keep the fish warm as the process takes about an hour. So as of now you should have a tank half filled with water and gravel on the bottom and a filter in there. You can also put the filter in the bucket and have that run. If it doesn't just turn it off and let it be. Now, scoop out the gravel with some sort of container (careful not to scratch or break the glass). After you have taken out as much as possible, dispose of the gravel as you wish and siphon out the gravel and waste remnants along with the rest of the water out and dispose of the liquid. I recommend you clean the sides of the aquarium with a washcloth of some sort at this point. After you have done this and you have a nice spotless aquarium, pour in the sand (which you should clean). After you have the sand in, you can either plant and decorate it dry or do that after you fill the water. Careful not to disturb the sand when pouring in water; I recommend using a bowl to slow the force of the water as your pour. Fill the water a little less than halfway (make sure you condition it and all). From the bucket with the fish and water now, remove the heater and let it and the filter run for about 15 minutes. As this is happening pour a little bit of water from the bucket with the fish gradually. Once there is like half of the water left in the bucket, go ahead and put the fish in and pour the rest of the water in. The ornaments and filter should have held enough beneficial bacteria and your fish will appreciate their new substrate! Good luck! By the way, if your ornaments have holes, please be sure that your fish aren't hiding inside the ornament or within the plants. This happened with me and my cories. They were INSIDE of the ornament and out of water for ten minutes. Luckily, I had no deaths. But with puffers, you never know. They too are small. EDIT: To siphon something out, you need to purchase a gravel vacuum. It's basically a hose. You can use a regular tube that is of at least one inch in diameter. My siphon has a pump but there's a manual way to siphon using a tube that you can look up. It's everywhere. But I would recommend purchasing a pump action gravel vacuum siphon anyways as you should be performing water changes with it every week anyways. They're like -5.
      
36. QUESTION:
    Can I replace a 75 watt rated light fixture with 3 separate - 23 watt compact fluorescent lights safely? I want to know if i need to replace / update the wiring.
    
    • ANSWER:
      Yes, you should be able to do this switch safely as long as you shut off the power source to the light either by the wall switch or from the circuit breaker. You asked about replacing/updating the wiring. Is there a reason for you to suspect that it needs replacing? The existing wires should be just fine unless there is visible damage or the insulation is hard and brittle from the heat of the light fixture. Anyways, the short answer is yes, you can make this change safely. Good luck!! Steve
      
37. QUESTION:
    How do you feel about the incandescent light bulb being replaced with Compact Fluorescent bulbs? I don't like Compact Fluorescent bulbs because the light they give out is not the same as a regular light bulb. I prefer the use of halogens in my home. They use more energy, but the light output is much more crisp. How about you Do you like Fluorescent bulbs or regular light bulbs?
    
    • ANSWER:
      I love the new CFL's CFLs save up to 75% less energy because they operate at lower temperatures and they last up to 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. To me this sounds like a no brainier. I save money on my electric bill and they last a lot longer. I know they cost more upfront, but in the life span of the bulb it is a lot cheaper to use CFL's and recycle it than use the halogen bulbs. Everyone is right they do contain Mercury, but for a few dollars you can recycle them through the mail. It is still cheaper to buy and recycle a CFL. Than to use a halogen light bulb. I go to https://veoliaes-ts.com/RecyclePak/RecyclePak%20Order?id=1064 to recycle my light bulbs. It is fastest and easiest way I have found.
      
38. QUESTION:
    I replaced all the fluorescent light bulbs in an existing fixture but cannot stop them from flickering-- ???
    
    • ANSWER:
      You might need to replace the fixture's ballast.
      
39. QUESTION:
    Landlords: How do you minimize your risk of being sued by Tenants? I recently read this: Lawsuits of all stripes prey on landlords' minds. Jackson said his company provides many services to his renters just to avoid legal hassles. "Early on," he said, "one of my tenants borrowed my lawnmower. He hit a piece of metal in the grass. His roommate was sunning himself nearby and the metal flew up and opened a gash in his forehead. The roommate sued me. Now we do all the lawns, replace fluorescent light, repair the windows; I don't want tenants doing anything."
    
    • ANSWER:
      As long as you do everything right you really only have to worry about nut jobs. Nothing will prevent a lawsuit from a nut job. however, they show their true colors in court, so it is not a big worry. However, I do check my applicants back ground, and seeing who they have sued in the past is part of that. If they have more then 1 lawsuit I avoid them
      
40. QUESTION:
    light is buzzing any ideas? i have a 5 ft fluorescent light in my kitchen and it buzzes (only when its on). i am painting the ceiling this weak (white with a snickle of mint) Lol. and was wondering any advice on; is problem fixable or should i just replace light. many thanks for any answers in advance.
    
    • ANSWER:
      bulb or the ballast is going. probably the ballast. probably cheaper to replace the light at this point.
      
41. QUESTION:
    Shattered Fluorescent lamp bulb. Do we clean everything? We were fixing a kitchen light and had to replace those fluorescent light bulbs (the long tube ones you see in offices and schools), and one shattered over the sink and some shards got onto clean dishes. Do I have to rewash and clean everything? I heard these bulbs have mercury in them.
    
    • ANSWER:
      YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Please, clean everything. I know it will take some time, but it's worth it.The big fat ones had a lot of mercury in them. (T-12) The newer ones (T-8) don't have any. This is why the old ones are being phased out.
      
42. QUESTION:
    What's the problem with my fluorescent light bulbs? About a month ago I replaced the fluorescent bulbs in my kitchen and now they don't come on all the way. It's like I am only getting half the wattage from them. Then some times it comes on completely bright. and it stays that way until I turn it off and the next evening turn it back on. What is the solution?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Depending on how much of the time you use those lights, you might consider leaving them on all the time. It may even be cheaper in electricity consumption. Fluorescent lights consume a large power surge when turning on, but use very little power once lit. So if you turn them off and on several times per day you may well be better off just leaving them on. And that would also solve your starter problem.
      
43. QUESTION:
    Rough quote for removing a kitchen light? Any of you wonderful electricians of the UK out there able to give me a rough (rough without seeing obviously) quote for removing a standard kitchen fluorescent strip light and replacing it with a smal three angled spot light and dimmer switch? The lights will have been bought before hand so all that needs to be done is to install it and the dimmer switch.
    
    • ANSWER:
      £65. Make sure the work is certified, ie a Minor Works certificate as mentioned. The circuit must be tested to make sure its safe for continued service before any work can be carried out. Any old charlatan can say £20 but he's not assuming responsibility for his work without certification. There will also be a small charge for safe disposal of the fluorescent tube as it contains mercury which is a controlled substance.
      
44. QUESTION:
    Question about fluorescent light fixtures. Do they unplug? Suppose you have to service a fluorescent light fixture in an office. However, you can't turn off the circut as that would shut down power to other areas of the office, which people don't want to happen. Could you do things such as replacing the ballast or a cracked socket. I would imagine that you couldn't do this. If I'm right, how could someone repair a fluorescent light fixture of the kind you find in offices and buildings. Is there a way to unplug it like you can with the ones you commonly find in people's basements?
    
    • ANSWER:
      you can only unplug it if it has been wired that way. If it is wired in a series with other lights, then there is no way and than killing power, to shut it off.
      
45. QUESTION:
    Stronger alternative to fluorescent light panels? My mother has a cracked kitchen fluorescent light panel and would like to replace them with something with some kind of 3m stained glass film. I suggested a thin sheet of plexiglass, but how thin, where to buy them and has anyone done this before?
    
    • ANSWER:
      http://www.fluorescentgallery.com/
      
46. QUESTION:
    Why Are My New Fluorescent Light Bulbs Flickering? I recently replaced the incandescent bulbs in my ceiling fan light with fluorescent bulbs. Now, whenever I turn on my light, the bulbs seem to gently flicker. Is this common for newly installed fluorescent bulbs or might there be a problem with the wiring/installation?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Crap bulbs, return them and get new one
      
47. QUESTION:
    Installing a fluorescent light fixture to replace an incandescent bulb...? Do I need to turn the power off at the circuit box, or can I just turn the light switch off. Problem is... I have to get a key off of someone to get to the circuit box. This is paid work, but there are always logistic issues. At this point the fixture is in place, the buildings wires need to be connected to the fluorescent fixture (they are still connected to the incandescent bulb). Thank you for your answers. I get what guys are saying. I think a meter is definitely going to be what I need. Thanks for your careful responses. I appreciate it.
    
    • ANSWER:
      The safest and most correct response is to turn off the circuit breaker. That being said, you can do it by turning off the switch, but it isn't recommended. If you have a meter you can turn off the switch and check the wires for power if there are more in the box than JUST those from the switch. I would do it myself, but I NEVER advise others to do it. I do not know your knowledge base, so I don't want to get you killed. Now if you are good at reading between the lines, you will know what to do. {wink} Al
      
48. QUESTION:
    How do I make the light from my fluorescent lightbulbs look warmer in color? I just replaced my regular light bulbs with cfl's in an effort to do my part in protecting the environment. But I'm feeling really conflicted now, because the cfl light is just horrible, and makes all the warm colors in my apartment look dull and washed-out. Is there a way to make the light look more like the light from a regular light bulb?? Please help. Thanks.
    
    • ANSWER:
      You probably got "cool white" tubes. There are many different kinds with different color spectrums. You probably want "Warm White", hence the term. They're a little harder to find, but any electrical parts store should have them.
      
49. QUESTION:
    need tips on starting f40 rapid start fluorescent lights in an area with high humidity? Once the bulbs have started they work perfectly, but the only way to start them is continuously flick the wall switch til the bulbs light. Have replaced the bulbs and ballasts within the last week. Is there any way to add an old fashioned starter into the system?
    
    • ANSWER:
      Although you just replaced the ballast, my suggestion would be to refit/replace the fixture with f32 ballast and bulbs as f40 bulbs will no longer be available in the near future.
      
50. QUESTION:
    Can the wiring/volts for a 2 tube fluorescent light fixture (being replaced) handle 2 hanging pendant lights? Hi. I am planning to take a fluorescent light down that is over my kitchen sink (it has 2 tubes in it) and wire in two pendant lights (that are separate). Each pendant light is 100 watts and they are on separate fixtures. Will the original wiring be able to handle the 200 watts? Do I need to add wire? Can I do this myself? Erin, You said I need more wiring and another box, does this mean that I only need the one wire though that goes to the fluorescent now. My brother may be doing this and his wife thought the 2 100 watt fixtures would overload the wire and blow a fuse, i.e. so it won't work. So one wire (that went to the fluorescent) - hang pendant light 100 watts - add a wire to this wire that will reach to the next pendant light 100 watt spot?
    
    • ANSWER:
      yes but you will need more wire for the second light