Kitchen Light Problem

[cfrankfeldt]

I have the usual fluorescent kitchen ceiling light with two concentric tubes. It is controlled by a wall switch that does not "snap" so I assume it is a mercury switch.

The problem is that often it takes several flips of the switch to turn the light on. If it has just been turned off, it really doesn't like to turn on.

I wonder if the switch could be the cause. As for the light fixture, my understanding is that this type has no starter, but a "ballast" up in the ceiling. I didn't think that ballast had anything that could wear out. A hardware store man said "maybe the ballast is weak," but I don't know what that could mean.

Any thoughts?

Thanks to all

[HayZee518]

that fixture is called a "circline fixture." One tube is a 12 inch the other is an 8 inch. where the white part is there is a four prong plug that plugs into the bulb, the other has the same thing. there are two ballasts inside. those ballasts are ancient, the insulation is pitch. they do wear out and usually vibrate like all get out. Once the tubes start to blacken on the ends they're at their life's end. Check out Advance ballasts, maybe they still make circline ballasts.

[leodlion]

Another solution is just completely change the light fixture to a regular double flourescent lamp and the switch to a normal switch.