Flickering fluorescent light

[20SilkCut]

My fluorescent strip light in the kitchen started to flicker really bad and go black at the outside edge and practically go off altogether, so i switched it off. Will i need to get a new fluorescent strip or do i just need to get one of the wee round bits (a starter possibly???) to insert into the bit that runs along the top (holding it in). I'm nearly sure someone before told me just to get the wee round bit? Any idea or am i talking cr*p.....?

thanks

[HowardKennitby]

Probably worth trying a new starter. Do you have another light you could take one out of to try?

[20SilkCut]

Hi Howard, no i dont have another light like this - so no way of trying what you suggest. I guess a starter may be way cheaper than a new fluorescent strip - but i'm not sure....?

[HowardKennitby]

If you buy one and it is not the solution you will always have it as a spare. They do fail eventually.

[RATTER15]

If the tube is going black on the ends it could be causing your flickering, time to buy a new tube maybe. yes the starter will also cause the same flickering.

[20SilkCut]

Thanks Howard & Ratter, i'll just bite the bullet then and buy both, that way i'm covered (and enlightened) lol.
thanks for your answers!

[heathfield]

Blackening at the ends of a flourescent tube is the normal indication that the tube is on its way out. The starter should be OK.

[woodchopper]

Replace both at the same time - false economy not to.