My Newly Replaced Fluorescent Tubes Flicker

Loose Bulb

• A common reason for a fluorescent light flickering once you install it is that it's not completely tight in the ballast. Fortunately, this issue is minor in nature and very simple to remedy. Climb back up the ladder and remove the light cover if you've already put it back. Turn the fluorescent light until it stops flickering. If the leads at each end weren't firmly in contact with the ballast, turning it will fix this problem.

Room Temperature

• Fluorescent lights work best when the temperature of a room is not overly cold, so if you turn on this style of light in a cold room, such as a basement or garage, it may flicker for a short period of time while the mercury inside the light tube vaporizes. To deal with this problem, leave the light on for a period of time to see whether the flickering stops. If the flickering is annoying, turn the light on shortly before you need to use the room.

Bent Pin

• If the fluorescent light was damaged during installation or even before you bought it, it might not be able to connect firmly with the ballast. A common troubleshooting step for a flicking fluorescent light is to remove the bulb and check to see if the pins at each end are parallel. If one or more of the pins is bent or broken, you will have to replace the light. If the bend is minor, try bending the pin so it's parallel with the other pin adjacent to it.

Faulty Ballast

• In a fluorescent light, the ballast is the apparatus on each end of the light assembly to which the light bulb connects. Ballasts require occasional replacement, and when they're beginning to fail, a typical symptom is a flickering light. You can buy a replacement ballast at a lighting or home supply store, but unless you're comfortable with electric work, you should hire an electrician or a knowledgeable family member or friend to complete the work.