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DandS · 10-15-2012, 02:25 PM

Have a 12" fluorescent light fixture over our sink which has me stumped. Light went out so assumed it was bulb - (2) T58W bulbs in fixture. Bought two new bulbs, installed them and voila, no light. What could my problem be ?? Tested the bulbs I took out and the two new ones and one of the originals is bad. Any help appreciated.

trackman · 10-15-2012, 03:13 PM

The ballast has probably gone bad. Happens on the 12 volt often.

BFlinn181 · 10-15-2012, 03:22 PM

More likely the ballast that energizes the fixture is bad. Check for 12 v at the fixture and through the on/off switch. If you have power there, it is the ballast.

ga traveler · 10-15-2012, 03:34 PM

The ballast can be replaced, but
i would go back with the LED replacement strips. No ballast and the bulbs last forever.

BFlinn181 · 10-15-2012, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ga traveler

The ballast can be replaced, but
i would go back with the LED replacement strips. No ballast and the bulbs last forever.

I would replace with LEDs too, but he has already bought the replacement bulbs. If he has another fixture to use those bulbs, I would agree, LED strips would be less energy and more long lasting.

DandS · 10-15-2012, 07:28 PM

Thanks for the advice on ballast, I do have 12V at fixture and switch. Where do I obtain the ballast and what do I ask for ? Is that an easy diy install ?

BFlinn181 · 10-15-2012, 07:47 PM

Google 12 v ballasts. Here's one source: Low voltage DC input electronic fluorescent light ballasts

I would think about using LED strips instead. Less power draw and probably cheaper than a ballast.

DandS · 10-17-2012, 09:25 AM

Bob - Thanks for the link but, holy cow, at those prices I could almost buy a new fixture. Guess I will wait til I get back home next week and remove the fixture and take a closer look. Several mentioned going to led bubs....do those slip right in the fixture like the regular bulbs and would I still need to replace the ballast ?

BFlinn181 · 10-17-2012, 11:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandS

Bob - Thanks for the link but, holy cow, at those prices I could almost buy a new fixture. Guess I will wait til I get back home next week and remove the fixture and take a closer look. Several mentioned going to led bubs....do those slip right in the fixture like the regular bulbs and would I still need to replace the ballast ?

If you buy the LED 'bulbs' that fit in the original holders/socket, you would have to remove or bypass the ballast as it is not used for LED's. If you use LED strips you cut and wire yourself, you remove ballast and completely rewire the fixture. This is not a big project, very simple, 2 wire, low voltage electrical project that saves money and power needs.

Cool White 5M 16.4FT 60leds/M 3528 SMD LED Strips Lights 300leds 12V New DIY | eBay

http://www.irv2.com/forums/f115/inex...de-139025.html

irvwood · 12-13-2012, 10:15 PM

We have a 2011 Canyon Star. The florescent light by the Fridge somehow effects the fridge. If we turn the light off at the light unit the fridge goes out. I replaced the unit with 2 new lights. (Interesting note: I put led lights in one unit in the hallway. The cost was $32.00. That was for only one light. The fixture holds two lights. No way was I going to pay another $32.00. In my lifetime it will not be cost effective.) obvious the ballast needs replacing. I contacted our dealer and he stated that Newmar is having problem with their florescent light system. I was told to replace the whole unit with a new style unit that will fit in the same spot as the old. Rather than the stylish curve at both ends of the light fixture it is a squared off system. Today is Dec. 13 and I will go to the nearest accessorie rv retailer and see what I can find out.

"007" · 12-14-2012, 04:47 AM

Here is a thread found in QT's #3 among other things on changing lights to LED.

Dr4Film · 12-14-2012, 05:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandS

Bob - Thanks for the link but, holy cow, at those prices I could almost buy a new fixture. Guess I will wait til I get back home next week and remove the fixture and take a closer look. Several mentioned going to led bubs....do those slip right in the fixture like the regular bulbs and would I still need to replace the ballast ?

You may have fixed the problem by now however, I have an extra brand new ballast for a Thin-Lite fixture model 716 that can be sent to you if needed.

Dr4Film ----- Richard

DandS · 12-14-2012, 05:43 AM

Thanks for the offer Richard, but after looking at the cost of a ballast and not being sure I could wire it easily, I found a new fixture on line and replaced it. Think the new fixture was only around $40.

wa8yxm · 12-14-2012, 07:36 AM

Most any RV dealer will have the inverter (Ballast).. However cnsidering the cost, it might be a good time to go LED, That I agree with.

One of the things I hope to do, may be 2014 before I do it, but one of the things I hope to do, is make my own LED fixtures in the near furture,

Engineering is easy.. Getting hundreds of LOW COST LED's is the part that will take till Jan 2014 or 2015.