bulbelectricallight-fixturelightingoutlets
I bought a fluorescent light fixture with 2 light bulbs. I wanted to test if the light bulbs where good before mounting the fixture to the ceiling. So I simply plugged the cable to a 120V outlet. I heard a spark and only half of one fluorescent light bulb is on.
Did I burn them by doing this? I thought there is no difference whether it is 120V from an outlet or a ceiling.
When you say "ceiling" I take it to mean a fixture lens or diffuser. All fluorescent lamps put out light at a high frequency that can be bothersome to some people. This frequency is determined by the ballast, which will vary by manufacturer and lamp type. The actual shape of the fluorescent tube makes little difference in the frequency unless the ballast is changed as well.
Diffusers and reflectors tend to mask the high speed off/on effect that is bothersome. Directly seeing the bare tube will more likely be bothersome than any other configuration. You've also dramatically changed the light dispersal pattern of the fixture by using CFLs in place of the intended halogens. This could also be why the new configuration is making you uncomfortable. Another factor could be the CFLs are putting out more light than the halogens did, amplifying the effects from other factors.
You might consider LED lamps that come in smaller packaging and may more closely replicate the dispersal pattern achieved by the original halogens. If you want to stick with CFLs, consider using those where the tube is encapsulated by an integral diffuser.
Do you have a picture of the cover? It seems very likely that all your problem simply relate to an overheating. Is there a chance for a better air flow (thermal ventilation)?
Best Answer
You shouldn't have any issue. Alot of ballasts are rated 120v/240v. A regular wall outlet is usually 15a 120v. Which you should be fine. Is this a t8 t5 or t12 fluorescent light fixture. I mean it is possible that you have a bad ballast that is only providing the proper power to the socket for only the bulb that lit. Try taking the bulb that is lit out of that side and switch it to the side that isn't lit. That should give you a rough idea that something is wrong. Check the connections at the socket of the side that isn't lit make sure the wires are actually in the socket. But again test the other side with the good bulb. sounds like a bad ballast in my opinion. But again no...plugging it in shouldn't have hurt anything. Getting power that way isn't really any different than hard wiring it.