HELP!! Fluorescent Light Bulb Starter broke off, but light still lighted up!

[ruriimasu]

Hi guys,

I need someone here to explain this to me. My home ceiling light uses those circular fluorescent lights and just awhile ago, the starter broke off but the light still lighted up. I need someone who knows about these lighting to educate me what was going on? Is it safe to keep my light running? Do I run a risk of a short circuit or explosion? The starter is 4-65W, the ballast is 0.43amp 220-240V 40W, and the power I have here in my country is 220-240V. The pictures (not actual items but taken off internet so you know what i'm saying) of them are:

Starter

Ballast

Fluorescent light

 

[Dr Jekell]

If I remember right the starters act like a capacitor to jump start the light in conjunction with the ballast.

Then the ballast keeps the light running once started.

Most are designed to be replaced as they wear out. Yours may be able to as well.

 

[65535]

Unless something broke the starter pops on and off easily. Should be able to pop back on really easy. The starter creates the initial flash to light the bulbs. Most new ballasts have built in starters.

 

[ponygt65]

Unless something broke the starter pops on and off easily. Should be able to pop back on really easy. The starter creates the initial flash to light the bulbs. Most new ballasts have built in starters.

+1

If that ballast pictured above is what you have (OP), then I'm a bit confused as that doesn't look like a preheat ballast. It looks like an electronic that would not have a seperate starter (typically). Also, 'normally' (I use that losely in todays market) the diagram on the ballast will have something that indicates a starter inline.

I agree with 65535's suggestion. The starters are typically 'spring' held into the holders with a 'twist lock' setup.

 

[broadgage]

There is no danger in useing the light without the starter in circuit.
Once the lamp is lit, the starter plays no part in the operation of the lamp, and may be removed without ill effect.

If the lamp is then turned off, when turned on again it probably wont light again until a sound starter is inserted. (it might strike without the starter but probably wont)

The ballast looks to me like a standard two terminal UK type, these are not widely used in the USA since on 120 volts they can only work very small lamps, but on 230/240 volts a suitable two terminal ballast and starter can be used with all common lamps.

If the starter is entrely missing, then simply purchase and fit a new one.

If however the starter has been broken or damaged, with part remaining in the starter holder, then care should be taken in removal and replacement since live parts may be exposed.

 

[ruriimasu]

hi.. i will be replacing the starter. but the thing i dont understand is why the light lit up without a starter. i mean, the whole thing dropped off. i tried switching on and off the light several times but it still lit up. im confused.. :thinking:

 

[65535]

Did the light warm up as fast as normal or did it start dim then light up to full?

The starter is designed to warm up the light quickly with a flash of energy to the tube, without the starter the tube will likely still light up but it will be slow.

 

[Lynx_Arc]

It is possible someone has replaced the lamp and put in a ballast that has a built in starter and left that starter in there but it is not connected any more.

 

[ruriimasu]

Did the light warm up as fast as normal or did it start dim then light up to full?

The starter is designed to warm up the light quickly with a flash of energy to the tube, without the starter the tube will likely still light up but it will be slow.

it seemed to light up at same speed.

 

[ruriimasu]

It is possible someone has replaced the lamp and put in a ballast that has a built in starter and left that starter in there but it is not connected any more.

how can i know whether the ballast has a built in starter? i dont see any such information on the ballast. :thinking:

 

[Lynx_Arc]

Either it has to have a starter separate (the can) or it works without one simple as that.

 

[ponygt65]

it seemed to light up at same speed.

Either it has to have a starter serperate (the can) or it works without one simple as that.

+1


In the US there are no pre-heat electronic ballasts, and that's what is appeared to be pictured.