FLUORESCENT
FIXTURES-
Fluorescent lights are low wattage and very popular in kitchens
or baths. You can also install them exposed or hidden with a valance
or soffit to suit your needs. They can also be ganged together or
linked with cable to provide continuous strips or cluster of lighting.
The
three main parts of a fluorescent fixture are a fluorescent tube
(which may be straight or circular), a starter, and a ballast. There
are also three types of fluorescent lamps: preheat, rapid-start,
and instant start.
In
the preheat type, the starter is separate from the ballast and is
replaceable without removing the ballast. Rapid-start models have
the starter built right into the ballast, and instant-start futures
have no starter. While the latter lights are less common than the
other types; they are distinguishable by the use of tubes with a
single pin at each end. When installing or replacing a fluorescent
fixture, you have several common designs to choose from.
Circular
Fixtures-
In the center of the ceiling box, add a threaded stud, if one is
not present. The fixture hangs on this stud. Add a reducing nut
to the stud. Have a helper hold the f fixture while you connect
the power wires: black to black, white to white. Wire nut the splices
and wrap them with electrician's tape. Push
the wires into the box, thread the nipple through the hole in the
center of the fixture, and secure the fixture with a cap nut.
One-Tube
Designs. You will need a hickey and nipple if the box has a
stud. If not, you can attach the fixture to a nipple and strap screwed
to the ears in the box. First splice the fixture wires to the house
wires, wire nut the splices, and wrap the splices with plastic electrician's
tape. Then attach the fixture to the ceiling box with the nipple,
a washer, and a locknut. Have a helper hold the fixture while you
assemble and fasten it to the ceiling box. When the fixture is stable,
drive a couple of sheet-metal screws through the fixture housing
into the ceiling at each end.
Multi-Tube
Models. Fixtures with more than two tubes usually have a center
cutout that is used when hanging the fixture from an octagonal box.
The fixture uses a stud, hickey, nipple, and a mounting strap inside
the housing. The assembly is held with a locknut. Connect the wiring
with wire nuts. Then push the wires into the box and secure the
fixture. Sometimes new fluorescent futures will flutter or one or
all lights will barely light. This is usually due to the tube not
being properly installed. Check your specific instruction about
replacing tubes. Pay particular attention to specifications about
turning or twisting the tube into place to get the best connection.
