Fixing fluorescent fixtures?

[cgallery]

Today, when removing a bulb from a 4x48" (four bulbs each 48" long) fluorescent fixture, the connector on one end broke. I did notice that the bulbs I was replacing were just a fraction (1/32") longer than the replacements I was using. The additional length made it real tuff removing the bulbs.

Can I purchase replacement connectors from someone like McMaster? Or Home Depot? I know they come w/ the ballast but the ballast is still good.

Thanks,
Phil

[LCHIEN]

Today, when removing a bulb from a 4x48" (four bulbs each 48" long) fluorescent fixture, the connector on one end broke. I did notice that the bulbs I was replacing were just a fraction (1/32") longer than the replacements I was using. The additional length made it real tuff removing the bulbs.

Can I purchase replacement connectors from someone like McMaster? Or Home Depot? I know they come w/ the ballast but the ballast is still good.

Thanks,
Phil

You should be able to get those 2-pin fluorescent connectors from any decent hardware store - I've never had to shop for them at lowes or HD but I know the ACE-type HW stores used to have them.

[Jeffrey Schronce]

Yes. There are a few different styles, so be sure to take one with you. They typically come in packs of 2 and run around $2-3$

[eezlock]

light fixture ends

Today, when removing a bulb from a 4x48" (four bulbs each 48" long) fluorescent fixture, the connector on one end broke. I did notice that the bulbs I was replacing were just a fraction (1/32") longer than the replacements I was using. The additional length made it real tuff removing the bulbs.

Can I purchase replacement connectors from someone like McMaster? Or Home Depot? I know they come w/ the ballast but the ballast is still good.

Thanks,
Phil

Phil, you could get them from any good electrical supply house in your area,
they may even have them at HD or Lowe's ...about $5.00 each.
eezlock

[cabinetman]

They are called tombstones. Just cut the old off and wire nut on the new ones.



"I'M NEVER WRONG - BUT I'M NOT ALWAYS RIGHT"

[JSUPreston]

Another cheap but slightly more expensive option: new lights. I know the local BORG has Lithonia Lighting units that are about $8 each. I've got 4 (actually six...burned out two, long story), and they work very well. I'll probably get one more for over the miter saw, if I ever get back out to the shop. I think they take T-40 bulbs.

[cgallery]

I want to order them from McMaster to save time (and money, actually). On page 654 of their catalog they show holders that match the way mine look. Each size is available in "Preheat, Rapid Start" and "Instant Start." The "Instant Start" are slightly more expensive. I know these fixtures were the cheapest troffers that Home Depot sold (like $30 each for a four-bulb T12 fixture).

I would have imagined the "Preheat, Rapid Start" would be more expensive because they sound like they have another wire going to them or something. Why would "Instant Start" be more expensive, and what is the difference?

Thanks,
Phil

[91FE]

Another cheap but slightly more expensive option: new lights. I know the local BORG has Lithonia Lighting units that are about $8 each.

Yup. I went to the BORG a few weeks ago for a replacement ballast... came home with a whole new fixture for a third of the price.

[messmaker]

i would vote for the new lights unless they are something special. Two of the worst shocks I have ever received came while working on old light units.