When you have a flickering fluorescent light, you want to solve the disturbance as soon as possible. However, flickering fluorescent lights are more than a simple annoyance. So, what does it mean when my fluorescent lights flicker?

The ballast may fail or overheat when you've got a flickering fluorescent light, so you should fix the issue immediately you discover it. Call an experienced licensed electrician if you need help replacing a blinking fluorescent light.

Problems With Your Fluorescent Bulb

If your fluorescent light is flickering, you might be having a problem with the bulb. The bulb might be burned out and defective if it's dark on either end. Put the bulb into a fixture to test its functionality and find out if it works. You know the problem is with the bulb and not the fixture if the bulb flickers or doesn't work.

If your bulb has a starter, it could be the problem. However, most new bulbs don't have starters. You should see the starter at the bottom of the bulb if your bulb has one. Fluorescent light bulb starters usually require a simple replacement and look like metallic gray cylinders.

Temperature can also cause fluorescent light flickering. The bulb won't produce enough heat to work properly if the air around it is circulating and cold. For a fluorescent light to work optimally and adequately, the internal temperature should be about 50 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use an enclosed light fixture if the air around the bulb is too cold to help insulate it. It's also possible that your fluorescent light blinking is caused by the bulb's incompatibility with your ballast.

Call an experienced electrical contractor if you need to find out the reason for your fluorescent bulb flickering.

Problems With Fluorescent Light Fixtures

If you have established there aren't any problems with the bulbs as the culprit for your fluorescent bulb blinking, the problem could be with the fixture. You might want to replace your ballast if your bulb works ideally once tested in a working fixture.

Issues With Ballast

The ballast provides the necessary voltage to start the lamps and regulates current flowing to the fluorescent light in your lighting system. It regulates current all over the bulbs after taking in electricity. The fluorescent light connected to the electrical source could increase its current flow uncontrollably if the ballast doesn't limit the light's current. This could consequently burn out the light and is why a fluorescent light could flicker due to degrading ballast.

If you don't fix your flickering fluorescent lights when you first notice the problem, your ballast could fail after continuous overheating. Ballasts have an average lifespan of 20 years. However, the lifespan could significantly decrease if you're in cold environments and use bad bulbs.

Call An Experienced Licensed Electrician

Don't worry if your ballast is degrading and affecting the illumination from your fluorescent light. Replacing ballast is inexpensive and relatively simple. If you need your ballast replaced, call an experienced licensed electrician.

If you let minor issues sit for too long, they will develop into far more complex problems. Call a knowledgeable electrician to solve whatever electrical problem you're having. They'll get your home back to normal by making a quick diagnosis and performing repairs as fast as possible.