bulb flashing on and off

[what..the?]

its a modern ceiling dome light which unscrews to show a rounded square tube bulb, probably energy saving as all the one's in this new build are.

a) I have no idea how such a bulb disconnects?
b) if I did try to disconnect it do I have to turn the lights off by the fuse box or just the light switch?
c) what could be the reason for it flickering, poor connection, just started flickering tonight?

Thanks in advance I am just used to standard bulbs so sorry for the stupid questions

[douglas9401]

Sounds like it's a "2D" lamp, like two capital D's back to back. If it is it's a straight pull from about the centre of the lamp, there is a fair resistance, then the whole assembly comes away. You'll see either two or four brass coloured pins, make sure you buy the correct replacement.
DIY stores are a bit pricy for these lamps, try a local electrical trade counter first.

You should be fine just switching off but safety first, you're in a new build so use the mini circuit breaker that protects the lighting circuit.

The flickering may be the lamp at the end of it's life or a dodgy starter. If there's any blackening where the two D's meet them most likely the lamp.

Hope this helps.

[Andyvon]

I had one of these lights go this year in the bathroom. They are called 'pizza base' lights which I think is a ridiculous term. Ours started flickering, then it wouldn't come on at all except for a dull glow.

The neon tubes are connected to a central unit which simply unplugs from the base of the light once you've removed the lens. As Douglas says, the unit has either two or four pins. Mine was four-pin and I was really shocked at the price of a new bulb. The cheapest I found was £18! B&Q were about £20. Two-pin units are quite a bit cheaper but they are still about £12.

[what..the?]

thanks so much for that, but bit miffed if it needs replacing as just moved into the house and alot of things don't work, might insist the landlord pays

[Andyvon]

I would What..the? If you are paying rent you expect things to work. The landlord probably hasn't changed the bulb due to the price. It's his responsibilty though, not yours.

[what..the?]

thanks for the support, I do feel as its a light bulb its my problem but this is more than a normal bulb and the cost as well, I will tell him it's flickering and he can decide, then hopefully offer to pay, he is a good guy,

[Andyvon]

Good luck and I hope you enjoy your new home.

[what..the?]

lol thanks

I think there maybe problems with the drains though as all the bathrooms smell bad I have been lapse in getting toilet brushes yet as not found any I like, but have added cleaner ever so often. One toilet has broken all together (overflow value). But generally I am finding the bathrooms smell of ...waste I need to tell the landlord.

[alavahalf]

As douglas says .. try the trade counter at an eletrical supplier, dont go near B&Q.
I paid £7.26 for two (2D) bulbs yesterday.

[what..the?]

thanks