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Old 07-18-2016, 09:42 AM   #1
oldbird
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ceiling light

In my bedroom one of the ceiling lights quit but the other is still working, on the same circuit I assume. I pulled the lens and if I'm testing it right don't have any power to the ends where the florescent blubs attach. The switch wasn't turned off by mistake. Do you guys think I should pull the unit off the ceiling to check for power? Is there a ballast or something that goes bad? No continuity on the blubs but don't know if that's possible with florescent blubs.
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Old 07-18-2016, 05:29 PM   #2
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There is a ballast for the fixture. No, you can not check continuity on fluorescent tubes because they use gas to conduct the voltage. The voltage at the ends, depending on the type of ballast, will not be 120v ac.

Bill
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Old 07-18-2016, 05:47 PM   #3
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Perfect time to convert to LED
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Old 07-19-2016, 07:19 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by porkchop View Post
There is a ballast for the fixture. No, you can not check continuity on fluorescent tubes because they use gas to conduct the voltage. The voltage at the ends, depending on the type of ballast, will not be 120v ac.

Bill
Where is the ballast? Probably on the back side?

Quote:
Originally Posted by netjam View Post
Perfect time to convert to LED
Yes, I agree! I've been trying to convince my wife that LED's are less dangerous to the human body then fluorescent light. I might be starting a debate here but..........
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Old 07-19-2016, 09:25 AM   #5
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In my 07 Suite the ballast was inside the fixture and not replaceable. Had many go and was constantly ordering new fixtures from DRV. Got tired of that and went to the LED 18" tubes. Easy to wire and removed them from the Suite when I sold it and installed in my Escalade where they are still working today.
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Old 07-19-2016, 12:27 PM   #6
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ALL fluorescent lamps contain mercury and are not good for you or the environment. LED is a much better choice.
netjam=my wife thinks I'm cheap but I have never swapped lamps out. Nor stolen toilet paper from McD's.

Bill
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Old 07-20-2016, 12:01 AM   #7
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Can't help with the 'danger' of light sources, but changing out my ceiling lights to LEDs was one of the best upgrades I have come across. Somewhat costly, but one LED tube easily outshines 2 fluorescent tubes. I actually only need one tube on one fixture in the bedroom and one tube in two fixtures in the living area.
If you do any dry-camping, you will be surprised at the extended battery life obtained with using LEDs. And the LED track lights over the sink don't heat the area any longer.
Joe
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Old 07-21-2016, 12:01 PM   #8
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Sounds good, LED's is it! Is it easy to 'wire' in?
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Old 07-21-2016, 07:14 PM   #9
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Yes, just follow the directions. If you get one done, the rest will be simple. If you are just replacing the other lights, it is an easy plug-in.
Joe
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Old 07-21-2016, 09:26 PM   #10
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Thanks Joe, do you guys think these would be good?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-LED-T8-Tu..._qi=RTM2247625
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Old 07-21-2016, 11:55 PM   #11
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Glenn,
I am sure that will work well, but the price is a little high...
Check out Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Starlights-T8...rds=rv+led+T18

There are now several sources/mfgs of the T18 bulbs, just kind of watch for the color you need, either cool white (bluish/bright) or warm white (more like a regular incandescent bulb). I prefer the cool white, but it is a personal decision. Just watch out for buying at different sources and getting one of each for the same fixture/area--makes it look like the warm white ones are getting old...

Joe
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Old 07-22-2016, 07:11 AM   #12
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I might be reading it wrong Joe but it looks like the Amazon ones are $40 a piece and the Ebay ones are $69 for four of them???
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Old 07-22-2016, 09:34 AM   #13
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Not the same brand I used but same type of thing. Been very happy with mine.
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Old 07-22-2016, 05:22 PM   #14
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You can change the entire fixture for less to a good LED than what these wannabe fluorescent converts are.

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Old 07-22-2016, 10:59 PM   #15
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Bill, I guess I'm a little slow and didn't follow what you said. I thought the newer LED's just replaced the fluorescent tubes with just a wire or two to hook up using the same fixture? Have a link?
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Old 07-23-2016, 07:45 AM   #16
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Don't have a link but they are sold in most rv stores. Cheaper,easier and better than trying to convert an old fixture. You can find designs to perfectly match most existing fixtures so that there is no unsightly lines on your ceiling.

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Old 07-23-2016, 01:23 PM   #17
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Glenn,
Guess I misread the eBay ad--thought it was 1 tube only, not pack of 4. Probably worth trying.
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Old 07-23-2016, 01:35 PM   #18
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A quick check of CW online shows 3 fixtures--which may/may not be the right size, measure first--but for $110-$140/per fixture.
I got a starlites double-tube fixture for the bathroom in an RV shop in Orem, UT, for about $100, with a dimmable feature, when the old fixture itself went bad.
The use of LEDs is probably a personal decision, and may not be for everyone--too many chances to get wrong bulb/wrong color--but for me, I won't go back to fluorescents.
Joe
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Old 07-25-2016, 09:15 PM   #19
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any standard bulbs in a mobile suites
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Old 07-25-2016, 09:30 PM   #20
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no, all 12v except the overhead 120v lights. Not one old fashion light bulb.

Edit: lights are mostly all halogens.
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