Flourescent Lighting Size Needed & Simple RepairsDeciding on size and style of flourescent lighting is not all that hard. First rule is the better the ballast the better the illumination. Buying from a company that specialize in better brands of quality fixtures will give you a better chance of having a good ballast. For more information check on bottom of the page. On an 8' ceiling this will depend partly on what room and task you are doing and size of the room. Generally using a two tubed fixture will give you sufficient illumination. A room 10' x 12' or an area of around 120 sq ft. using a 2 bulb linear fixture would be satisfactor or a circline using a 32 watt and a 40 watt double circline bulb. For a room 12' x 18' approximately 216 sq ft use a 4 tubed linear fixture or 2 round circlines fixtures with bulb wattages of 32 watt and 40 watt. The 32-watt T5 or T8 lamps produce similar levels of light as the older 40 watt T12 lamps. They have a slimmer profile and functions mor efficiently. They come in 4 or 8 foot lengths. The color of these bulbs have a higher color rendering index (CRI)than the T12 bulbs making them appear more natural lighting. Instant start electronic ballasts with T8 lamps produce the greatest savings in energy use. For more information check out Ballast.
SIMPLE REPAIRS If your flourescent aren't working or the light bulb is flickering the problem might be simple. Try rotating tubes to make them properly set in sockets. If your fixture is not working be sure to check all the tubes, if one is burnt out the second one will not turn on either. Replace tube if it becomes discolored or pins are damaged. Replace starter if nothing else works, they are inexpensive and easy to replace. Starters are a small cylinder devise located near one of the sockets. Remove by turning counter clockwise. Install a replacement that matches the old one. Also replace tubes when doing this. You might try replacing the sockets. If that doesn't work you might have to replace the ballast. Check the wall switches they might be the problem. KEEP IN MIND ALL FLOURESCENT FIXTURES MUST BE GROUNDED. Most household electrical repairs can be simple but caution and good judgement are essential when working with electricity. Common sense can prevent accidents. ALWAYS TURN OFF POWER to area before doing electrical projects. RESTORE POWER only when replacement or repairs are completed. Don't attempt electrical projects beyond your capabilities or skills.
ENERGY STAR
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