My New Ballast Light Does Not Work

Ballast Light Operation

• Fluorescent lights use electronic regulators known as ballasts to control the flow of electricity from one end of the light to the other. Ballasts ensure that the gas inside the light receives the right amount of electric charge to produce consistent, bright light. Ballast lights produce several effects that, while not necessarily desirable, are in fact normal. These include a low humming sound and a mild flicker that can cause eye strain even if it isn't always perceptible.

Energy Requirements

• Because ballast lights have lower energy requirements than conventional incandescent light bulbs, if you replace an incandescent light bulb with a ballast light, a problem with the ballast light is likely not due to a problem with the electricity. Due to their modest energy needs, ballast lights are unlikely to trip breakers or cause problems with wiring. Instead, if a new ballast light fails to function, the problem is most likely with the light itself.

Ballast Failure

• A faulty ballast can prevent energy from entering the gas-filled portion of the light or fail to regulate the flow. An unregulated flow of electricity causes the light to produce a high level of brightness and burn out quickly. If a relatively new ballast light is intensely bright and fails after a short time of usage, the ballast may be to blame.

Other Problems

• New ballast lights can fail to work for reasons other than a problem with the ballast or an unlikely electrical issue. A leak in the light can allow the gas to escape, preventing electricity from producing any light. Ballast lights also rely on the powder coating inside the glass to convert invisible wavelengths into visible light. A problem with the coating can result in light that's invisible to the human eye. If you attach a ballast light to a dimmer switch, it interferes with the ballast and may cause premature failure in a new ballast light.