florescent light very dim

[robmar0se]

I have a t8 florescent tube, which is lighting up, but very dim. I have changed the starter, checked the ballast which shows a reading on the multimeter, and the tube shows no sign of it dying (ie no blacking). Its not actually that old, maybe 4 years? ; (standard on/off switch no dimmer on cuircuit)

How can I verify what is wring please? Thank you

 

[telectrix]

replace with LED. ditch ballast and starter. no brainer.

 

[robmar0se]

replace with LED. ditch ballast and starter. no brainer.

Thanks but I try not to be part of the through away society, I would prefer to seek advice in terms of the original question thank you.

 

[westward10]

Is it in a cold area and does it remain dim or does it change as the tube gets warmer.

 

[robmar0se]

Is it in a cold area and does it remain dim or does it change as the tube gets warmer.

Thanks, In the kitchen so normal living area. It starts dim and stays dim, there is no obvious sign of variation. The change from normal to dim about a week ago was fairly sudden not gradual.

As tried differnt starters and tested the ballast resistance, my guess it may be the tube, but what surprises me is there is no "blacking"

Much appreciate yr help.

 

[westward10]

Tubes will dim with age and lose their brightness so it is likely to be the tube but you cannot rule out the ballast. Try a new tube.

 

[robmar0se]

Tubes will dim with age and lose their brightness so it is likely to be the tube but you cannot rule out the ballast. Try a new tube.

Thank you.

I agree, but 3 reasons why I ask: (i) only 4 years old, in my expereince they usually last longer. (ii) Its a good make - Philips. (iii) there are no physical signs which I would expect, no discolouration!

 

[brianmoooore]

Thanks but I try not to be part of the through away society, I would prefer to seek advice in terms of the original question thank you.

I fully agree if the proposed replacement isn't sufficiently superior to the original, but in this case, as telectrix says, ditch the old inefficient tech. and replace with something twice as efficient.

 

[UNG]

Thanks but I try not to be part of the through away society, I would prefer to seek advice in terms of the original question thank you.

There is a point where you cut your losses and replace, years ago wholesalers stocked ballasts so it could be an off the shelf repair these days it is as cheap to buy an LED batten and replace the fitting than buy a ballast, lamp and starter and even then it could have a dodgy end cap or 2 that need replacing

 

[robmar0se]

There is a point where you cut your losses and replace, years ago wholesalers stocked ballasts so it could be an off the shelf repair these days it is as cheap to buy an LED batten and replace the fitting than buy a ballast, lamp and starter and even then it could have a dodgy end cap or 2 that need replacing

Thanks everyone for yr advice. Bit the bullit and replaced the tube - all okay = lerssons learned