Fluorescent tube doing this - is tube faulty or is it the starter?

[Nope]

I have two fluorescent tube lights in the garage. Both were there when we moved in so I don’t know how old they are. Recently one of the two has stopped lighting when I turn it on. The two ends glow, and flicker but the tube itself never actually comes on. See the photos for what I mean.

Does the tube itself need replaced or is this a fault with the starter?

 

[Tricky-Dicky]

If the tube glows orange at the ends, the tube has reached the end of its life.
Could be that a new starter is required - swap the starter from the working fitting, if the tube now springs into life shows that the removed starter has died.
But best to replace the tube with a new one, will probably be more brighter, as fluorescent tubes dim over their lifetime.

 

[Adam_151]

If the tube glows at the end constantly, without flashing or the ends dimming, then the starter ins't working
If the tube flashes but doesn't strike, the tube is bad

But, if left on with a bad starter and the ends glowing, will wear out the emmision material on the filements and if left flashing from a bad tube, it'll wear out the starter. So doens't really matter what is faulty, its normal to change them together. An older starter that works but has slowed down will also wear the tube more.

 

[FrodoOne]

Always replace the starter whenever you replace a fluorescent tube.

 

[Nope]

Thanks both. I’ll replace tube and starter then.

 

[FrodoOne]

Also, note the following : -

https://www.netledlighting.co.uk/blog/t5-t8-fluorescent-tube-ban-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.auralight.com/fi/discover-us/t8-and-t5-phase-out

etc.

Better to replace with LED Tubes - NOW

 

[Nope]

Also, note the following : -

https://www.netledlighting.co.uk/blog/t5-t8-fluorescent-tube-ban-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.auralight.com/fi/discover-us/t8-and-t5-phase-out

etc.

Better to replace with LED Tubes - NOW

Yes I saw that. Something else to consider. I think I will take down the tube and get some details from the label then look at replacing with an LED tube!

 

[ebee]

The rule of thumb with fluorescents was the way most went to try out replacement.
3 main components being the starter, the tube and the choke.
So, first try a new starter is the cheapest, easiest option, then if still no then try a new tube, then if that doesnt work it is probably the choke, in that case its often easier and cheaper to replace the whole fitting which often came supplied with a new tube.
Of course we have moved on from that and nowadays LED battens are all the rage and fluoros are more expensive if you can get them.
PS the tube ends blackening was often a sign of a bad tube past its life, although they could often carry on a good while after that in many instances.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Also, note the following : -

https://www.netledlighting.co.uk/blog/t5-t8-fluorescent-tube-ban-2023-everything-you-need-to-know/
https://www.auralight.com/fi/discover-us/t8-and-t5-phase-out

etc.

Better to replace with LED Tubes - NOW

There is very little advantage to be gained, swapping fluorescent lights for LED, and especially so if the light is rarely in use, like those in a garage.

 

[Nope]

There is very little advantage to be gained, swapping fluorescent lights for LED, and especially so if the light is rarely in use, like those in a garage.

Thanks Harry. I suppose whether I replace or not will depend on the availability of tubes.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Buy some now then.

 

[Nope]

Buy some now then.

I meant availability of fluorescent tubes. I won’t replace with LED if fluorescent tubes are available.

 

[EFLImpudence]

Yes, I meant buy some fluorescent tubes now.

 

[Nope]

Yes, I meant buy some fluorescent tubes now.

Planning to!