outside light fixtures act weird

[pete f]

I have 96" double bulb fixtures under my awning. When it rains, or like tonite dense fog, they will not come on unless you rap the end of it with the broom handle. The same thing happend a couple years ago when the 4 hurricanes came thru one summer. I replaced them becuase I could not fix the problem. Well, now it is back. I sprayed the ends of the fixture and bulbs, last time I sandpaper the ends and connections, which did not work. Any ideas? New bulbs did not fix the problem either. The fixtures do not get wet as far as I can tell, but something must be happening. Not sure what to try next.
Thanks for any ideas.

[KJD]

I'm just going to guess here and say you have a plain old fixture that is not suitable for outside use and the humidity is affecting it.

I would look for an outdoor fixture that is moisture proof.

Kevin

[Monarch]

Most fluorescent light tubes have terminals the connect to the metal contacts inside the fixture. If this light was not designed for outdoor service, even if it sheltered, the pins on the tubes, and the contact terminals in the fixture will corrode and cause erractive performance and then they will not work at all. WITH THE POWER OFF!! Make sure the ends of the tubes and the contacts in the fixture are realtively clean. Better contacts may give better performance. I realize you tried this but you might double check. Some of the connections inside are often made with wire nuts. These can corrode too, so check them out as well.

It is also possible the ballast in the fixture is going bad too. IF there is any sign of "oozing" or if it smells funny, it is either bad or going bad. Grainger usually has replacements, but some of the older fixtures are no longer supported.


Just a suggestion

Norman

[fishmanz]

Sounds like KJD hit it on the head. I believe you have a humidity problem there Pete.

[pete f]

The weather has been nice and so have my lights. The fixtures were installed by an electriction when I remodeled 2000, they worked great untill the hurricanes of '04. I canlt say they are insode or outside, but at my other 3 stors I do not have the problem, and some of those fixtures look a lot worse and have more elements to them. I am guessing being close to the salt air. I have cleaned contacts, etc, guess I will do it again. Then again, no rain and sunshine make for a day off and the lights work fine!
Thanks for the ideas, I was looking for something really off the wall though :)
Maybe moisture proof is something I should look into.

[KJD]

Pete, next time you clean those fixtures or change bulbs clean the ends real well and apply some dielectric grease on the ends of the bulbs and where they make contact.
The dielectric grease will help keep out the moisture and prevent corrosion.


Kevin

[pete f]

Thanks Kevin
The fact you can spell it makes it sound like it will work! ( me, flunk spelling in 3rd grade)
Ok, so where is this stuff sold? I can dress in my normal grub clothes and act like a contractor at a supply house..

[KJD]

Thanks Kevin
The fact you can spell it makes it sound like it will work! ( me, flunk spelling in 3rd grade)
Ok, so where is this stuff sold? I can dress in my normal grub clothes and act like a contractor at a supply house..

Any auto supply place would be the easiest.
Ever change a auto light bulb and see it is coated on the ends with a whitish grease, thats the stuff.
Keeps out the moisture.

Kevin

[pete f]

I know the stuff! I wondered why more auto manufactors did not put more in those bulbs back when I ran my shop in Maine. Those rusted bulbs in plate lights were a joy to replace.
thanks