Community Forums

IamGadget · 02-01-2011, 03:11 PM

a ceiling light is giving me a problem. it is one of the center row light on the ceiling. Has 2 fluorescent bulbs. They became very very dim. I changed them from another ceiling pair that is working and then they dimmed also.
Is there a ballast or something to change? or does the fixture need to be replaced? what can i check? thank you

Wizard · 02-01-2011, 03:29 PM

Usually if the ballast is bad, its usually cheaper to change the fixture,

Go here for replacement

solarseller.com alternative energy by John Drake Services, Inc.

GaryKD · 02-01-2011, 04:36 PM

Hi IamGadget,
Is this the only fixture that has dim lights?

IamGadget · 02-01-2011, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi IamGadget,
Is this the only fixture that has dim lights?

yes...it did not have dim lights before it went on like the others ...nice and bright...then when i turned the lights on this one would not light up like the others....I changed bulbs and it would still only have that very dim light....like a bad bulb might show. thank you

When i stated dim....it is the kind of light a fluorescent light makes when it is trying to start and will not fully light.

Romeo · 02-01-2011, 09:36 PM

While your waiting for a real answer to you question, I offer this...

If it's like the ones in my 2000 Dutch Star, I think they have the electronic type of ballast. When I had one of mine out I didn't see a ballast. Mine are pretty simplistic fixtures. I don't believe you can fix the electronic ballast, you have to replace the fixture.

You might try one of the online RV catalogs and match you fixture with what they show. From what I have seen, the fluorescent fixtures for RV's are pretty much standard.

It seems to me that I actually had to replace mine for the same reason.

IamGadget · 02-02-2011, 05:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romeo

While your waiting for a real answer to you question, I offer this...

If it's like the ones in my 2000 Dutch Star, I think they have the electronic type of ballast. When I had one of mine out I didn't see a ballast. Mine are pretty simplistic fixtures. I don't believe you can fix the electronic ballast, you have to replace the fixture.

You might try one of the online RV catalogs and match you fixture with what they show. From what I have seen, the fluorescent fixtures for RV's are pretty much standard.

It seems to me that I actually had to replace mine for the same reason.

thank you..i have a 2004 dutch star... it was working fine and then when i put the lights on this fixture just started to light (only a glow) and would not fully brighten....so i did the first thing and that was change bulbs and got the same results...so then not knowing how these fixtures are made, thought there might be a ballast needing replacement.....Perhaps i do need to change out the entire fixture....I just do not want to overlook something that might be fixable by me.....Thank you

GaryKD · 02-02-2011, 09:38 AM

Hi IamGadget,
Consider taking the fixture out and see if there is a ballast. At this time take a voltage reading to make sure the supplied voltage is correct(>12 VDC). If there is no ballast and the voltage is correct, I'd follow Romeo's recommendation (new fixture).

IamGadget · 02-02-2011, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD

Hi IamGadget,
Consider taking the fixture out and see if there is a ballast. At this time take a voltage reading to make sure the supplied voltage is correct(>12 VDC). If there is no ballast and the voltage is correct, I'd follow Romeo's recommendation (new fixture).

Thank you....i will do that

"007" · 02-02-2011, 09:56 AM

The light has a converter that converts 12V to 110.
As long as all connections are good and still doesn't work time for new light.

Magic · 02-06-2011, 07:35 AM

Hi,
I had the same thing happen. I found the manufacter online WWW.THINLITE.COM and they will rebuild the lights for $28.50 and a new one from Newmar is in the area of $79.00, but after removing my light, I noticed one of the scotchlocks wasn't completely closed and after redoing it, the light started to work fine.

Doug Sage · 02-06-2011, 07:43 AM

Sometimes dim lighting is due to a poor ground. You might check this out too.

"007" · 02-06-2011, 08:02 AM

If you do not like the orange glow use some cool white lights and brighten up the whole area.

Switch is for switching all your closet lights found in the Quick Tips LINK.

IamGadget · 02-06-2011, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 007";785229]If you do not like the orange glow use some cool white lights and brighten up the whole area.

Switch is for switching all your closet lights found in the [B][URL="http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/part-1-and-2-quick-tips-and-easy-mods-18509.html

Quick Tips[/URL][/B] LINK.

I do not understand your comment re orange glow.....If your reply is to me, i am talking about the dim glow a fluorescent light makes when it is weak and tries to light up. Mine is staying in that low dim light that wants to get brighter and cannot. i am aware of the higher kelvin lights and i had switched some of them and plan to change out the rest to have a brighter and more cheerful lighting. The minimum Kelvin for me is 4100 and i even like the sunlight which gives a real bright clean light and i think it is 5000 kelvin ( the cool whites are 4100 ) thank you

"007" · 02-07-2011, 09:07 PM

No I wasn't referring to your fixture problem just to others that may have the orange glow lamps that some do complain about at times.
Should have stated that, sorry.
The Kelvin Lamps you referred to I was not aware of, where can they be found a Lowe's or Home Depot?
Thanks for the info.