flicker flicker

[chunkolini]

Niot welding related but annoying.
The ancient Neon light in my ancient kitchen has just gone mad flashing like a Studio 54 strobe.
is it likely to be a new tube job or is it the flux capacitor starter thingy going belly up?
I am planning on replacing it when the kitchen gets gutted but need a temporary fix for now

 

[stuvy]

If they fail to start it’s the starter and you can wiggle it and they come to life

Are the ends of the tube really dark?

 

[chunkolini]

Tried the starter a few times even took it out and replaced it. Still flickers like mad, almost pulses of light shooting along it.
Now the stupid question, do I need to earth the contacts on the starter to avoid getting a jolt off it?

 

[stuvy]

Iv never thought about that

Do you remember licking a 9v battery, try it

 

[brightspark]

if its flashing and not starting its the tube that's had it. and if its still doing it when new tube fitted the capacitors shagged out . just put a new one up

 

[chunkolini]

Cheers replace tube first.
Thanks

 

[pedrobedro]

Always replace both at the same time here. Starter is only about 60p. You can remove a starter when the tube is lit to try it in a different one

 

[chunkolini]

Whaaaat take a chance on wasting 60p???
Both at the same time then. Just looked on Screwfix job for Monday

 

[MCKDAVID]

don't know the cost of them in the uk anymore, but over here, you can buy the lamp itself, or pay a couple of euros less and get a whole fitting lamp included ready to install?????? still haven't figured the economics out on that one....they call it progress apparently..

 

[pedrobedro]

don't know the cost of them in the uk anymore, but over here, you can buy the lamp itself, or pay a couple of euros less and get a whole fitting lamp included ready to install?????? still haven't figured the economics out on that one....they call it progress apparently..

I bought a couple of 5' complete units for about £22 each. They are newer type which do not need a separate capacitor to start them and they light up instantly, no flickering.

 

[chunkolini]

Cheers.
Ill just buy the bulb.
Kitchen gets redecorated soonish and I'll go for nicer lamps

 

[julianthegypsy]

Apologies for a slight hijack, but I've just replaced a tube in the workshop and it's buzzing like mad. Could that be the capacitor?