Light Bulb Question From a Complete Novice Ask questions and find answers to many subjects relating to electrics and electrical work

[MrHankHill88]

Hi all,

Recently my bathroom light died on me so I purchased a new bulb. It didn't work so I tested it in another bathroom and it works perfectly. I asked a question on reddit about this and someone told me that I need to buy a new ballast.

I just thought I'd check with you guys before I buy anything I don't need.

Here are some pictures of the fitting, the bulb type and a link to the specific bulb...

https://i.imgur.com/FFcJ2jd.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/uQdjHTO.jpg

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Havells-Sylvan ... scent+Lamp

Thanks.

[ericmark]

The 2D lamp or any other fluorescent has a number of parts to make it work, there are two completely different systems used, the magnetic ballast and often a separate starter, and the electronic or HF ballast. Both can fail, however the magnet ballast is reasonably robust, but with the electronic version continuing to use the lamp with a faulty fluorescent tube can cause ballast to fail, and since they have electrolytic capacitors in them they will in time fail.

However the electronic ballast uses less power, gives a higher light output, and starts the lamp faster making the fluorescent fitting as good as a LED fitting with the added bonus you don't have to renew the ballast with every new tube fitted, but with LED you are forced to renew control gear with the LED as sold as one unit.

So yes likely needs a new ballast, and in spite of electronic ballasts not lasting as long as magnetic ones, there are still the best option.

[Mr White]

If the lamp fails to work, and if you are sure there is a voltage present (How did you prove this?) Then the next thing to suspect would be the ballast, but I would also consider a new light fitting such as an LED one

[MrHankHill88]

Thanks for the replies.

I haven't attempted to prove that voltage is present, I don't know how to.

All I've done is test a new bulb in both this and another room and flicked the fuse box on and off.