If you have a light fixture that has stopped working properly, you need to determine if the solution is as easy as changing the fluorescent lamp holder. Otherwise, you may have to replace the entire fixture. Depending on the fixture, replacing it can be quite expensive.
Make Sure It’s Not the Bulb
The first step to troubleshooting your light fixture is to make certain the fluorescent lamp holder is the problem. It will be worth your while to take the time to do a little testing before you go too far into making repairs.
Once you have checked the light bulb and determined it is not the root of your problem, you will be ready to proceed to access the lamp holder itself.
Check the Power
For this step, all you need is a non-contact voltage tester. Begin by turning off the power. Remove bulbs and turn on the power. With the non-contact voltage tester, check to see if power is getting to the socket. Simply turn on the tester and hold it near where you should be getting power.
In a fluorescent tube fixture, the lamp holders are found on each end. If there is not any power coming out of the socket, then your next step may be moving on to replace the socket. On the other hand, if you do have power, you will need to turn it off before you continue with your troubleshooting.
If you do determine that the socket must be changed, it is critical that you make absolutely certain the power is off before you get started with the repairs. Do not just rely on the wall switch to kill the power. You will also need to turn the power to the fixture off at the main circuit breaker as well. This will eliminate the risk of the power being restored unexpectedly and causing serious injuries or worse.
Finally, check the fluorescent lamp holder. This is the holders on each end that the tubes fit into the fixture. Check to make certain that these lamp holders are in place firmly. Next, examine the holder to rule out any possible damage.
If you discover that the lamp holder is loose or you find damage on one of them, the solution is to replace the lamp holders. Keep in mind that it is always a better option to change out the fluorescent lamp holder on each end at the same time.