fluorescent lighting

[shawelectric]

over the years i've seen many fluorescent light fix (4foot) that were out .but when i went to change the lamp they would come on with a slight touch to the lamp.I've seen this on new fixtures also. is this just cheap fix,bad connection on tombstones,.. or what??

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have seen this with some fluorescents that did not have an equipment ground. Sometimes it is bad bulbs and the static charge from you may help the bulb ignite- not sure about the second part. Someone should know.

 

[stevebea]

over the years i've seen many fluorescent light fix (4foot) that were out .but when i went to change the lamp they would come on with a slight touch to the lamp.I've seen this on new fixtures also. is this just cheap fix,bad connection on tombstones,.. or what??

Odds are the reflector is not properly grounded. Rapid start and some instant start must be grounded to work properly. When you touch the lamp you are causing an increase in capacitance.