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Hi all. I bought my first house a year ago. It is 90 years old but has been updated and well-maintained. Last night I flipped the switch for the basement lights (two overhead florescent tubes) and heard a sound. The basement stayed dark. I checked the circuit box but it hadn’t been tripped. I turned the breakers off and back on again just in case but nothing happened. The washer and dryer in the basement work but they are on a different circuitIt seems unlikely that all four florescent tubes have burned out, so I assume I need to call an electrician. Before I do I wanted to see if there is any other ‘obvious’ fix that isn’t known to me. I have never had those florescent tube lights—any chance that one burning out impacts all the others?
I have not had any other problems in any other part of the house.
Thanks in advance for any information or advice.
hopefully...
those fluorescent fixtures have a cord and plug on them which is in turn plugged into a receptacle
where the old ("keyless") incadescent lamp bases went. Then you could unplug the new(er) light fixtures and try any other 120V item there to confirm that the breaker and switch and wiring up to that point is all at it should be.
If this other appliance or whatever works then you have proper voltage there and the problem is limited to the light fixtures... maybe even just the lamps if you're real lucky.
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If your basement light wiring isn't arranged for such easy troubleshooting... then *someone* will have to go deeper.
Maybe there's a handy neighbor you can ask to come over?
Even though the breaker looks like it may not be tripped, it could be. Flip it to the off position and then back to on a couple times. If you still have problems and the lamps are hardwired, have an electrician inspect for mouse nibbled insulation and shorts caused by other problems.
If the breaker has in fact not tripped then it is more then likely the ballast went out. They can be replaced.
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