The fluorescent light in my kitchen takes ages to come on. It flickers for ages then nothing then switches on

Question

Its a 36w tube and a 58w starter. Does it matter that its a higher starter than tube wattage?

Answer 1

If it has a starter and a ballast then it is probably the starter. Change the bulbs first to make sure it isn't that.

Answer 2

Yes, you have to match up the starter to the ballast. If your fixture has a started it is quite old. The other problem might be the bulbs. Are they rated for rapid start ballasts or pulse start? They should be for pulse. Then also because of the age of your fixture it may be time to think about crawling out from the stone age to the new electronic controled ballasted fixture.

Answer 3

Are the ends of the tube clean and makeing good contact?

Answer 4

bad ballast

Answer 5

$5 max to replace the tube then $2 max to replace the starter if it still doesn't run then its the ballast. simple as that. don't complicate things!!

Answer 6

you probably need to replace the ballast

Answer 7

First thing is to change the starter and match it to the ballast, there will be small writing on the ballast that will tell you the size in watts.Then if your tube seems dark at the ends it would be best to install a new one. Good luck.