What are possible reasons for a dual bulb(lamp) fluorescent fixture to go off while on without the wall switch being turned off?

Question

The 2 kitchen fixtures run off the same circuit. Both lights were on when the dual 4 foot bulb fixture went blank. I checked the breaker anyway but when tripped off the other light did go out. I changed both 4 foot bulbs and got nothing. I haven’t checked the wall switch but since the fixture in question has 2 wall switches and neither are working I lean against that being the culprit. Maybe ballast but in my limited experience ballast shows trouble (slow starts, flickering, etc) or the bulbs don’t come on but rarely does the light go out while on. Any ideas are better than the none I have. Thank you

Bubba Gubbins · Answer

Faulty ballast.

elhigh · Answer

The ballast has failed.  Replace the ballast.

In my long experience ballasts fail all sorts of ways, including suddenly quitting with no warning whatsoever.  It sounds like you've had this light fixture for quite some time, so the ballast would be the first thing I tried.

I've been doing this for over 20 years, the ballast would be the first thing I tried if all the tubes suddenly quit.

Spock (rhp) · Answer

multimeter testing needed.  something other than the ballast may have failed ... including wiring that you can't see [perhaps because something chewed the wiring]

Anonymous · Answer

Call an electrician.  You need to CHECK if there is voltage at the ballast.  That will require working with LIVE electricity.

What are possible reasons for a dual bulb(lamp) fluorescent fixture to go off while on without the wall switch being turned off?

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