T8 Fluorescent Tube Help

eestudent · Mar 26, 2021

A few months ago, I replaced a T8 fluorescent tube that my late father installed, with another tube of similar dimensions. The lighting still works now however recently, I have noticed a slight greyish colour at the middle of the tube and a small flickering near the left end of the tube that has turned orange-brown colour, as shown in the picture. This was different from the previous tube which had grey ends, that indicated the end of its life. Moreover, the previous tube lasted over 4-5 years without any problems. May I know where did I go wrong? & How do you tell if the problem lies in the ballast, starter or the light bulb itself?

Thank you for your time.

littlespark · Mar 26, 2021

Replace the starter as well, that ones got a crack in it.

Suggest changing whole fitting for LED equivalent.

i=p/u · Mar 26, 2021

Change the lamp and starter,I can see starter is brittle and broke, so i would turn it off. After that ballast needs replaced.

eestudent · Mar 26, 2021

Ok, noted with thanks. Will attempt to change the starter as well and see how it goes.

cuda70 · Apr 30, 2021

eestudent said:
A few months ago, I replaced a T8 fluorescent tube that my late father installed, with another tube of similar dimensions. The lighting still works now however recently, I have noticed a slight greyish colour at the middle of the tube and a small flickering near the left end of the tube that has turned orange-brown colour, as shown in the picture. This was different from the previous tube which had grey ends, that indicated the end of its life. Moreover, the previous tube lasted over 4-5 years without any problems. May I know where did I go wrong? & How do you tell if the problem lies in the ballast, starter or the light bulb itself?

Thank you for your time.

Honestly its best just to change the bulb over to LEDs, you dont have to change the fixture. Fluorescent in this day and age is archaic technology. Heres a good example of the type of drop in light you can use without having to do any wiring: 12W 4FT LED T8 Tubes - NX-Series - 4000K - Replaces 28W FL Tubes - 10 Per Box - https://commercialledlights.com/12w-4ft-led-t8-tubes-nx-series-4000k-replaces-28w-fl-tubes-10-per-box/