How do I figure out what replacement to use in my linear fluroescent fixture?

When it comes to linear fluorescent light bulbs, they come in many different lengths. Most are in nice even lengths: 22", 24", 36", 48" but there are also many special lengths in amongst those for your non main stream linear fluorescents.

We will occasionally get calls from customers who have a linear fluorescent fixture but no bulb and no idea how to figure out what bulb they need to purchase.

The easiest way to figure out what bulb you need is to open up your fixture and look at your ballast. If it's from a quality company, it will state on the ballast what bulb to purchase.

If that fails, the only way to figure it out is by trial and error. Meaning go to the store and get one you think is right and keep trying 'til you get the one that works. If you don't want to go through that, you should just take the fixture out and replace it.

That may not have been what you wanted to hear but there are soooo many fluorescent choices, it's tough to give you a simple answer! Good luck.

Holly Eddins

What does "Spark Out" mean?

If you've ever heard this term mentioned, you probably can guess what it means. But we will confirm that it's not a good term. If you are using a light bulb that is not meant to be used as a 3 way bulb but are trying to use it as one, when you turn the knob, you may experience a "spark out."

So, spark out is a technical or semi technical work for causing a spark which could lead to a flame. So, it's a fire hazard. Some customers of ours are determined to use bulb improperly and that's certainly your choice but it's important with light bulbs that you use them for the uses that are manufactured.

Holly Eddins