Fluorescent light - fuse blows constantly.

[TonyNS]

Hi there,

I have two fluorescent lights running off one switch, but whenever I try to turn them on, the 5A MCCB opens.
I hear that there could be a "ballast" problem, but don't know what this means or how to check!
Any help appreciated.

Thanks

 

[breezer]

the ballast is the thing that limits the current to the tube after it has initally started. it is also there to provide the inital umpteen thousand volts to warm the gas in the first place.

you really wanted to know that didn't you

If it is your ballast (probably is) you may as well get a complete new light, as with a new light you get a new tube too, the difference in cost is not worth worring about.

your only problem is to find which of the two lights is causing the problem. That too is easy to solve. dissconnect one. but for your sake put the wire you have dissconnected in to a connector block before switchin on, as i mentioned the ballast generates a few thousand volts.

electricity has no prejudices, it kills any one

 

[TonyNS]

Thanks, Breezer!

I said to my wife, before I posted, that I thought you would reply, as you seem to be the bloke to ask about this sort of thing!

I'll try what you suggested - and thanks again.

Tony

 

[breezer]

Thank you


screwfix have 4 lights for £27, + tubes, but why not take a trip to your loacal Q & B warehouse (not store) they really do not cost much