Bulbs 'Going' Simultaneously

[sophie_1003]

We have two lights in our kitchen (controlled by same switch) and both have 'gone' this eveing; can't see anything wrong with fuse box; will check bulbs tomorrow but seems odd that both would go. Anything else it could be?

[slinkycat]

It's the poltergeist that lives under the stairs:)

[ladyalex]

Did you put them in at the same time ?
Not odd if you did, their time is up...

[chi-chi66]

lol I thought you meant garden bulbsshooting at the same time.

[sophie_1003]

Urrrgh don't say that Mum! Luckily fuse box is right there when you open the door so didn't have to venture too far in!
No idea ladyalex; not been living here long so it's entirely possible previous tenant did put them in at the same time! One does flash on and off a couple of times before going off completely; they are flourescent tube-y type ones if that would make a difference at all.

[slinkycat]

If they are flickering it could be the starter thingy thats gone, probably have some in the shed.

[sophie_1003]

Okie doke; will get them tomo if you have ta!

[ladyalex]

Fluorescent ones last for ages...but as you say , you have no idea when they were put in.

They also used to have a doofer attached to the fitting which could 'go'. It might have been called a 'starter' or something like that. Clever folks on here will clarify. Anyway, if they still do have 'starters' and that is what has gone, you used to be able to get replacements from B&Q or places like that.
It cannot have been too difficult to replace the 'starter' thingy as I remember doing it myself once.
Good luck tomorrow.

[SlackAlice]

Could be the light switch?

[The Builder]

Sophie, if it is the starters ........ http://www.toolstatio...er/d190/sd2620/p89674

............ then you should see the tubes flickering while they "try" to fire up. Are the tubes in the same "double" fitting?

[sophie_1003]

Bit of an update; didn't see properly last night (and clearly haven't looked up in the kitchen much!) but the flickering one is actually an energy saving bulb, not a flourescent tube. It now doesn't flicker but it doesn't go on either. Am thinking switch is most likely cause?

[Clanad]

It's not a 'dimmer' switch, is it? (Doesn't work well with flouroscent bulbs).

Perhaps they both arrived at their drop dead date at the same time... makes you think twice about the "Best if Used By" date on that package of meat in the fridge, doesn't it?

[sophie_1003]

Nope Clanad, just a standard switch! Will test normal bulb in different room to see if it has gone or not.

[sophie_1003]

OK; so the normal bulb works fine in a different room. Am thinking maybe they are on a series circuit and the flourescent one has 'gone', how would I check if that was the case?