why do old fluorescent tubes feel oily?

[wyreman]

anybody know why do old fluorescent tubes feel oily?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I never noticed that. Dusty yes, but not oily. Could be grease from whatever is going on in that room- I guess.

 

[sgunsel]

Maybe oil on the tubes?

 

[broadgage]

Some older flourescent lamps in the UK , and presumably elswhere, are coated with a silicone compound to aid starting in adverse conditions.
Such materials are also used for lubrication and feel oily or slippery.

 

[LEO2854]

anybody know why do old fluorescent tubes feel oily?

it probaely is some kind of poison :-? but it helps with starting the lamps.

 

[realolman]

it probaely is some kind of poison :-? but it helps with starting the lamps.

Yeah whatever you do don't touch it.

 

[wyreman]

lamps as recent as three or four years
depending approaching the end of their rated hours
t12 and t8
in all kinds of environments
office to industry
i have found to have this characteristic.

not too important, just a curiosity.

thakns!

 

[hbiss]

They are coated with silicone that repels moisture which would hinder starting. But that is from the factory so if you are going to feel it it's on new tubes too. Perhaps it thickens or picks up dust over time making it feel different? I never noticed either.

-Hal

 

[TNGuy81]

was it hot in the area you were working and were you sweating?

 

[TNGuy81]

"When you are done living for yourself, only then can you learn that living for others is the privilege."

wyreman, that is a great quote and so true. This maybe my next tattoo.

 

[sparky59]

Sometimes when you replace incandescent bulbs in an enclosed fixture they will feel oily and have a smell. And this is in a clean, dry home environment.