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How do you clean out a camelbak tube?

What's the switch thing at the side of a long tube light fitting?

  • I forget what they're called, but this question is about the long tube lights on a ceiling. My last tube light kept flickering so I needed to buy a new tube. I went to B & Q and the ones they had were thinner than my old tube light but they said as long as the fitting is the same it should work. Before I put the tube in I found a button thing that can be turned on the side of the light fitting so I played around with it and then put in the tube and it didn't work. I turned the button thing the other way and it still didn't work. I turned it around one way and then the other a few times. I carried the tube in the car and think I was careful with it but can tube light become broken the same way as bulb lights? The glass hasn't broken on it. I'm not sure if it's anything I've done by playing around with the small button thing on the light fitting or if the tube could be broken, or if the light fitting might have become broken when I took out the old one? It looks quite sturdy though, and the fittings for the new tube I bought fit in OK. B & Q is quite a distance so not sure if to try another tube or if the actual light fitting must be broken?

  • Answer:

    The thing your turning is a starter,get a new 1,same wattage as tube or bigger,turn fully clockwise to engage into holder,if light still not working then a new fitting is required. If the lamp has not been working but left in on position then you may have blown the ballast,which costs about the same as a new fitting. If a new fitting doesn't work then its a wiring/cable issue,get someone who's competent with a tester to look at for you.

Jemma J at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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Other answers

When you get to B&Q ask them for a new starter to go with the tube. the little button thing on the side is the starter.

asseenfromoutside

When a fluorescent tube flickers on and off it could be because of the tube or the starter. You should replace the starter. Turn it a quarter way to the left and it should be removable, to refit push in and turn a quarter way to the right, it will lock in place. The rating of it will be written on it, so just take it along to the shop with you.

Cheeky Devil

Almost certainly need a new starter. Buy an electronic one from Wickes (they are green). Although they are dearer than the ordinary type they give flicker free starting and prolong the life of the tube.

BARRY

That button thing on the side is the starter and also needs replacing. Take it to your local store and change it fore a new one.

Tony P

the button you found at the side of the fitting is the starter , there is a good chance that the starter has broken and not the light tube. try fitting a new starter which fits into the fitting much the same as a bayonet fitting light bulb. in respect of the tube being broken, you would have to break the glass or the terminals either end.

Patrick

the "thing" is a starter when you switch the light on you should see the starter glow a little...the tube should be fine and being thinner doesnt matter. its probably the starter that needs replacing.the starter, turn it clock wise till it stops.

scotty

no idea

Fromor

the flourecent light fixture you have has a switch on the side of it. most these switches are spring loaded, meaning, you can hold the switch in, or depending on the switch...up or down,,then when you let go it'll return to its original position. this switch is to let the starter, energize the bulb,,no they are not like incandesent bulbs, with a filement..so, try holding the switch one direction, or in,,until the bulb lites, then release. if its a 2 bulb fixture,,you should replace both bulbs to make one work.. there weird. but if one starts going bad,,usually the other one flickers.. good luck.

ben_gazzi

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