ceiling Light not working

pappaono · 09-30-2011, 06:01 PM

Hello; something weird happened in the MH the other night. We had went out to dinner and when we returned one of the outlets was making a strange noise. had to rest the GFCI outlets. Every thing seems to be okay except the ceiling light that is controlled by the switch at the door is not working. Any ideas what the problem might be? Have changed bulbs and still no light.

Thank you

fletch460 · 09-30-2011, 06:15 PM

Dont know if you are at a CG but it sounds like a surge.(having to reset GFI) check voltage at the bulb, then switch. If you are sure everthing on that circuit is OK then I dont believe breaker bad. Good Luck

sgtjoe · 09-30-2011, 08:09 PM

If it's a tube type light it could be the ballest is shot. Switch with one of the others to see if that one works.

pappaono · 09-30-2011, 08:36 PM

I didn't see a ballast in the fixture, and if in fact it was a surge as fetch460 says I guess I'm lucky it only took out one ceiling light.

kennersonf · 09-30-2011, 10:47 PM

I know this may be a stupid question, but is the switch on the light fixture in the on position?

speed racer · 10-01-2011, 07:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pappaono

I didn't see a ballast in the fixture, and if in fact it was a surge as fetch460 says I guess I'm lucky it only took out one ceiling light.

There are no ballist in 12v lights. Check the 12v curcuit breakers.

pappaono · 10-01-2011, 09:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kennersonf

I know this may be a stupid question, but is the switch on the light fixture in the on position?

I was told a long time ago, " there is no stupid question", but yes I have made sure it is in the correct position.

pappaono · 10-01-2011, 09:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by speed racer

There are no ballist in 12v lights. Check the 12v curcuit breakers.

thank you, I probably would have been tearing it apart looking for the ballast. I'm not that smart when it come to electricity.

sgtjoe · 10-01-2011, 02:41 PM

If your ceiling light is a fluorescent light tube there is a ballast and it is under the metal plate that runs in the middle of the tubes. My Tradewinds has several of these lights and I had a ballast fail on one. Mine were made by Thin Lite. I copied the statement below for your info. If it's a regular 12v lite there is no ballast.

All fluorescent tubes are for AC operation. The inverter ballast takes the 12 volt DC input and changes it to the AC that is needed by the fluorescent tubes - it is basically a micro-inverter. Each different wattage fluorescent tube has a different AC requirement. Therefore inverter ballasts are not interchangeable for different wattages or voltages.

pappaono · 10-01-2011, 07:40 PM

sgtjoe; thank you for that information, I'll check it out during the day and let you know what I find.

KIX · 10-01-2011, 07:48 PM

If you have Thin Lite brand and need a new ballast for a fixture I recommend John Drake Services for parts. They are in Long Beach, CA

pappaono · 10-01-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KIX

If you have Thin Lite brand and need a new ballast for a fixture I recommend John Drake Services for parts. They are in Long Beach, CA

Thanks for the info, I'll keep it in mind and hope that is all that is wrong.

okmunky · 10-01-2011, 08:59 PM

A surge protector is cheap insurance. The next time you might lose more than a light. The best are hardwired
Amazon.com: TRC 34560 Surge Guard 50-Amp Hardwire: Automotive

but even a portable model is better than what you are going through now. If your rig is a 30 amp the cost is even less.