lighting

[BAR CORNER]

do florescent tubes have to be changed ever so often

[galuk1]

only when they give up the ghost, they'll get blackening on the ends and flicker loads, but also the starter can cause problems to so hard to tell which one is the problem.

[SaxyJag]

To tell if it's the starter, simply pull the starter out whilst the light is switched on (it's that thing that looks like a little white battery, that sticks out of one end) - don't worry, it's safe. If it is the starter, then the light will stop flickering, although obviously it won't come on next time unless the starter's replaced.

[SaxyJag]

Just to add - flourescent tubes should be fitted with diffuser covers, and shouldn't be left to flicker. It's a good way to bring on an epileptic seizure in someone who's susceptible, and they don't do much for the rest of us, either.

[WendyS]

Believe it or not, we've had the same florescent tube in our kitchen for 25 years and it's still going strong. Every so often we take off the outer plastic cover and give it a wash to clear out all the dead insects. We've also had two small florescent tubes over bathroom mirrors which have lasted about the same time. So unless the starter packs up, I'd leave well alone.

[Andeecee]

Why would you want to change the tubes when there is nothing wrong with them?

Would you change your normal light bulbs when there is nothing wrong with them?