Help Changing a Fluorescent Tube on an Old Fitzgerald Light Fitting

Soldato
Joined
24 Sep 2007
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Hi Guys

The fluorescent light in my kitchen is flickering badly and needs attention. The house was built in the late 80s and so it's an old light fitting made by Fitzgerald. Below are pics.

I've heard that sometimes you just need to replace the starter, the circular thing to the right of the Fitzgerald label. However, I can't move this, it won't turn or push in. Any ideas?

Otherwise I could try replacing the tube. Anyone know the correct technique for removing this on this older light fitting? It's not like the more recent ones where you twist and remove. I've tried pushing the tube into the fitting to remove, but there's not enough give and I don't want to break it. Does anyone know the correct technique?

Thanks

light-2.jpg


light-1.jpg


Fitzgerald-fluorescent-light.jpg
 
Soldato
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20 Oct 2008
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12,096
Remove the end caps that hold the defuser on, you should then be able to swing the connector pieces out far enough to remove the tube.

Personally, I'd replace it entirely with an LED replacement.
 
Soldato
Joined
2 Aug 2012
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7,809
Change the tube. That picture with the black end suggests that the tube is well past its sell by date!

The starters should be removable by rotating anti-clockwise, Like a BC light bulb.

Other than that, this being the time for an upgrade is not a bad suggestion.

:p
 
Soldato
Joined
12 Feb 2009
Posts
4,320
I've heard that sometimes you just need to replace the starter, the circular thing to the right of the Fitzgerald label. However, I can't move this, it won't turn or push in. Any ideas?

To remove this you need to twist counter clockwise, only a little and then it should come out. They can be very stiff.
 
Soldato
OP
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Just out of interest, does anyone know if they still make the replacement tubes for this type of old fitting? The current tube is an Osram L40W/23 UK.

Thanks
 
Soldato
Joined
12 Feb 2009
Posts
4,320
Just out of interest, does anyone know if they still make the replacement tubes for this type of old fitting? The current tube is an Osram L40W/23 UK.

Thanks

You can still get them, what you are looking for is a T12 2ft (600 mm) tube. 20-40 W.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/T12-Fluore...t12+tube+2ft&qid=1556055560&s=gateway&sr=8-11
https://www.bltdirect.com/fluorescent-t12-20-watt-600mm-2ft-warm-white
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/5-x-Osra...uorescent-Tube-3500k-White-RARE-/322002891894

There are retro fit led bulbs, but most 2ft versions are T8 not T12 which I think it what you have. T12 = 38mm diameter. Measure yours to make sure.
 
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