4 pin florescent tube is very dim

[opps]

Hi all

An elderly family friend recently replaced the 4 pin florescent tube in her bathroom light fitting. The previous bulb became very dim. By all accounts the new bulb was fine for a day or two. Now it too just glows dimly.



Is the bit at the top of the image a starter? If yes, I guess it is kaput.

I did look for the component but the manufacturer is based in Hong Kong and now only seems to make LED lights. The other stickers show that the light was from Argos (presumably a long time ago).

I suspect that the general consensus will be to replace the whole light fitting but I just want to double check before making that recommendation.

Thanks in advance.

 

[flameport]

The bit at the top is a cheap-o-matic electronic ballast.
Pointless even looking for a replacement.

Replace the whole thing with something like https://www.toolstation.com/mark-lighting-led-ip54-bulkhead/p39289

 

[opps]

The bit at the top is a cheap-o-matic electronic ballast.
Pointless even looking for a replacement.

Replace the whole thing with something like https://www.toolstation.com/mark-lighting-led-ip54-bulkhead/p39289

Thanks, will recommend it.

 

[Lectrician]

The bit at the top is a cheap-o-matic electronic ballast.
Pointless even looking for a replacement.

Replace the whole thing with something like https://www.toolstation.com/mark-lighting-led-ip54-bulkhead/p39289

If it’s a 4 pin lamp, that would indicate that the “ballast” is either electronic or that it’s magnetic with a starter somewhere hidden away. 2 pin lamps have the starter within the lamp body. Electronic ballasts are quite well known to cause lamps to glow dimly, or cause lamps to age quickly when faulty.

I’d replace the entire fitting. If it was a posh decorative fitting, I’d recommend fitting an LED retrofit lamp and bypassing the ballast.