Columbia Lighting Internet

Troubleshooting Tips

Flickering Lamps
1	New lamps need to be seasoned. All lamps need to be burned in for approximately 100 hours before full light output is reached. In the case of dimming ballasts, most manufacturers recommend 100 burning hours before dimming as well as burning the lamps at full light output at regular intervals.
2	Line voltage varies. Check to see that line voltage is constant.
3	Air movement across lamp. Check to make sure that HVAC is not directed across lamps, lowering temperatures of lamps.
Cycling of Ballast
1	Line voltage varies. Check line voltage for consistency.
2	Replace lamps to verify ballast problem.
3	Insulation covering fixtures. Check to make sure that fixtures are not covered. Excess heat will cause the thermal protector to cycle.
4	Fixtures are mounted on ceiling directly. Please verify that the fixtures are designed to be mounted directly to the ceiling. If not, an air space must be provided between ceiling and fixtures.
Fixtures Do Not Light
1	Is the power on?
2	Lamp compatibility. Cross check lamps against ballast designation listed on the ballast case. Some energy saving lamps and ballasts are not compatible.
3	Incorrect or loose wiring. Disconnect power and check all wiring connections.
4	Check fuses if supplied. Disconnect power before removing. Check with ohmmeter or test equipment. Reinstall and energize.
5	Line voltage low. Acceptable voltage ranges vary according to the manufacturer and type of ballast used. Contact the ballast manufacturer for appropriate voltage range levels.
6	Low ambient temperature. Is the lamp/ballast combination rated for the ambient temperature of the environment? Starting temperatures below 50 or 60 degrees F require specific fluorescent lamp/ballast combinations.
7	Are lamps properly engaged in the lampholders? Check to make sure that the pins are properly engaged.
Slow Starting
1	Rapid Start ballast versus Instant Start ballast. Rapid Start ballasts pre-heat the cathode and then ignite the lamps. Instant Start ballasts use a high voltage surge to start the lamps instantly. Rapid start ballasts are slower starting but easier on lamps due to pre-heating of the cathodes.
2	Line voltage too low. Check line for correct voltage as required by the ballast. (See item #1, "Fixtures Do Not Light").
3	Incorrect Lamp. Make sure lamps are compatible with the ballast.
4	Low ambient temperatures. Is temperature above 50 degrees? Many fluorescent lamp/ballast combinations require a minimum starting temperature of 50 degrees F. In some cases 60 degrees F will be required.
Noise
1	Are all components secure? Check ballast mounting and look for loose fixture components.
2	Is there furniture in the space? Empty rooms magnify sound, emphasizing the normal operating hum. The sound which seemed so loud in an empty space will normally disappear once the room has been filled with furniture, partitions, equipment and people.
3	Is the ballast functioning correctly? Replace ballast if necessary.
4	What is the sound rating of the ballast? Verify the ballast's proper sound rating for the environment. If the sound rating is inappropriate, remote mount the ballast or replace it with a ballast with the appropriate sound rating.

All Columbia technical information provided on this site is subject to change without notice.