Fluorescent fittings with (apparently) no starter

[rowan.bradley]

Hi,

We have recently moved into a new office.

It has ceiling fittings that take two 70W 6 foot fluorescent tubes. The fittings seem to have no visible starter (at least, I can't find one of the traditional type with the twist to lock fitting).

One of these fittings has stopped working. I have tried changing the two tubes, with no effect.

Do these fittings actually have a starter? If so, where is it likely to be, and what is it likely to look like?

If it does not have a starter, and replacing the tubes has no effect, what is likely to be the problem? I can of course check that the power is getting thrugh (I have not done this yet - it just seemed more likely that something had gone wrong with the fitting).

Thanks for your help.

Rowan

 

[Richard Burns]

I would check for circuit faults that prevent them operating before you go too far.
High frequency fittings will not have a starter unit.
If you see HF or such like on the ballast then it is probably high frequency.
As far as I am aware all non high frequency fittings have a similar starter arrangement, though do look for an empty space that may take a starter in case it has been removed.

 

[Darkwood]

The now old transtar ballasts didn't require a atarter either and just look like a longer than normal ballast but not seen them for a while following the increased reliability on the HF ballasts against the earlier gen' of HF ballasts which had a high failure rate.

Also it has to be noted some old fittings had the starter hidden inside and required removal of the cover to access for replacement.

 

[rowan.bradley]

Thanks for your replies. I will first off check that power is reaching the fitting. Then check the ballast type, Then look for a starter. This fitting used to work, so it can't be that the starter has always been missing.

Rowan

 

[Deleted member 9648]

The now old transtar ballasts didn't require a atarter either and just look like a longer than normal ballast but not seen them for a while following the increased reliability on the HF ballasts against the earlier gen' of HF ballasts which had a high failure rate.

Also it has to be noted some old fittings had the starter hidden inside and required removal of the cover to access for replacement.

The old transtar type ballasts will not start T8 tubes.

To the OP,check for an internal fuse which may have failed.Check also for burnt out connections on any of the gear,very common with the push fit connections. If it's a HF ballast inside then it's likely to have failed and require replacing.

 

[uksparks]

Whilst on the subject of tubes, I see fluke do a fluorescent light tester, you hold it in the tube and it tells you if it's the tube or the ballast that's knackered, does anyone use these?

 

[telectrix]

Whilst on the subject of tubes, I see fluke do a fluorescent light tester, you hold it in the tube and it tells you if it's the tube or the ballast that's knackered, does anyone use these?

not quite. it just lights the tube if the tube is OK.

 

[uksparks]

I did wonder what it did.

 

[telectrix]

there are more sophisticated units if you want to spend £150+