Fluorescent tubes & chokes

[kriskwery]

The 5ft tube in my kitchen is only illuminated at the ends - how do I know whether it's the tube or the choke at fault ? Whenever there's a problem, I always seem to buy the wrong item first & have to trudge back to the hardware store!

[banana]

From my limited experience I would say that its more likely to be the Starter ( choke) than the tube. Just get a starter suitable for the tube size and try it. If its not that ,and its the tube thats the problem -dont take the starter back -keep it till the next time to try when the light goes funny again.

[sft42]

Indeed...I agree.....It's going to do no harm to buy a starter (choke) and try it first as they only weigh in at about �2 or so and then you'll have a spare to use anyway.

[RATTER15]

I also agree, if the ends of the tube are getting black, the tube is at fault