Fluoescent light in bathroom problem

[Mick]

Ther are two 48" fluoro tube lights in my bathroom that won't stay on longer than 45 minutes before they shut off. I am grouting the floor and the light won't come back on for at least 30 minutes and sometimes not for an hour. So this means I can only work 45 minutes at a time and I have to toss any unused grout. I replaced both tubes less than a year ago and this did nothing to change the situation. Anybody know what could be causing the lights to shut off ? It is not a short is it?
Thanks in advance for ideas,

Mick

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[cx]

Sounds like you need a new ballast, Mick. Likely you can find one at your handy Home Depot. Depending upon the type fixture, it's sometimes cost-effective to replace the whole thing.:shades:

[davem]

And while you're there, get a $7 clamp on light. They come in handy in all kinda situations. :)

[Mick]

Thanks for the quick response and I will go ballast hunting. Aren't those things the heavy tar packed things?

Mick

[John Bridge]

Man, I've heard every kind of excuse for not working, but that one tops them all. ;) I'm gonna remember that one. :D

I used to have a light like that in the kitchen. They were really cheap fixtures that I put in myself. I used to tell Patti I had it programmed that way to save on energy. ;)

[whymico2]

John,
Works as great excuse to head for the bar. Electrical problem, full work stoppage.
Mick

[flatfloor]

As I have said before, work is the curse of the drinking class. :D

New ballast or fixture.

[sooze]

Mick,

Even if you get the grouting finished, you can't possibly have a teenaged daughter using that bathroom until you get that light sitch under control! My daughter can occupy the bathroom for hours before a hot date! LOL

Back on topic, my kitchen lights did that, a new ballast did the trick for a few years, (before we ripped them out and replaced with recessed lighting! LOL) It seems it was more cost effective to replace the entire fixture, than just the ballast.

Sue

P.S. davem, great answer!

[Mick]

I think I will eventually put in a new fixture concerning that light. I went to Lowe's and bought a flood lamp so now I don't have to be ruled by the light. No kids here to worry about.:) :)

[Sonnie Layne]

My daughter could occupy the bathroom (the ONLY one) for hours just brushing her teeth!!! :D

[tileguytodd]

No lights=Bring yer own
No water= I'm goin home
No heat= a real short day and if you called me someones got to pay :D

[Mick]

I found a ballast at HD. HD has Lowes beat hands down for electrical parts,far as I'm concerned. I installed the ballast in the existing fixture and the light stays on like it is supposed to. Towards the end, prior to fixing it, it would only stay on for about eight minutes. Now it is so bright in that bathroom it looks like a new galaxy forming. Thanks everyone for helping me.
Mick

[Sonnie Layne]

Don't be a stranger. Most of the tile guys here know more than you'd think. Heck I'm a painter, and I thought becoming a tile guy was a huge promotion.


Wait a minute... there's something in that... needs to be written.

Tileguys... smarter than your average plumber!?! :)