Emergency Bulkhead Operation?

[OttoF]

Today I've been working with an old emergency bulkhead with 26W 2D 4 pin, and 6W florescent tube.

When I replaced the 2D bulb, only a faint light could be seen coming from it. I assumed because there had been some physical damage to the fitting, that a component inside was bad.

As I went to dismantle the unit (ready for replacement), I removed the starter module, and immediately the 2D bulb sprung into life. I put the starter back in, and the 2D bulb returned to almost lifeless. Took the starter out again, and on comes the 2D bulb.

Are these lights designed to not work if the starter is bad or if the florescent bulb is missing, or something else?

P.S. We don't need the emergency backup to work anymore, and I'm happy to leave as is. Just curious about why the 2D bulb works when the starter is removed.

Any clues on what was happening?

 

[MDJ]

Gasp!!

 

[buzzlightyear]

Any clues on what was happening

yeah .you had taken the starter out because its like a key stating a engine it call igniting the gas.
I will try that when bending over with a flame .

 

[Deleted account]

That's happened to me a few times. No idea why!

Sorry that's not much help.

 

[suffolkspark]

its clearly a faulty starter

 

[Nigel]

Why are you playing with emergency lighting with no idea what you are doing?

 

[Pete999]

Gasp!!

I gasped as well Mate, just got me breath back

 

[OttoF]

yeah .you had taken the starter out because its like a key stating a engine it call igniting the gas.
I will try that when bending over with a flame .

Sure, I know what a starter does, but 2D bulbs have an internal ballast. Yes?

The starter is for the florescent tube, but doesn't explain why suddenly the 2D bulb started working when I disconnected the starter.

So, any idea?

 

[OttoF]

Gasp!!

You okay now? Hopefully.

Okay, so what's the answer to the question? If you don't know, that's fine. I don't know either.

 

[OttoF]

That's happened to me a few times. No idea why!

Sorry that's not much help.

No worries. If it's a common thing, then perhaps it lends itself to being a design rather than a fault.

Cheers.