Issues with light fixture - can I fix it myself?

[rgentry123]

I'm having some issues with my current light fixture (8 bulb T5 Tek Light Fixture) and I'm thinking it may be a ballast issue and I'm wondering if I can fix it myself. The issue I'm running into is that all of the lights don't always stay on. If I bump the fixture, sometimes a few of the bulbs will go off. If I hit it again, they come back on.

Does this sound like a ballast issue? How difficult is this to fix? I just bought new bulbs 3 weeks ago so I don't really want to spend the money on a new fixture if I don't need to.

 

[Indyws6]

Generally speaking, a ballast either works, or it doesn't. It sounds like a loose connection. Is it always the same set of lights? If so, isolate the ballast(s) for those lights and look for a loose connection either at the conection to the light pins/socket(s) or the power feed and ground for the ballast(s).

 

[rgentry123]

ok, I'll look at that. It actually looks like one of the sockets is cracked now that I'm looking closer so maybe that is part of the problem as well - however there are other bulbs that flicker on/off that don't have cracked sockets

 

[Indyws6]

ok, I'll look at that. It actually looks like one of the sockets is cracked now that I'm looking closer so maybe that is part of the problem as well - however there are other bulbs that flicker on/off that don't have cracked sockets

You likely have one or more loose/poor connections...

 

[oreo57]

Probably.. Basic lights aren't rocket science. That said they can be quite shocking..
As mentioned above.. sounds like loose/corroded wiring.. Start at the switch if it has one..
could even be the power cord.. If all ballasts flicker go from where the main power joins them and work backwards..

just unplug it first..

 

[wishntoboutside]

the end caps where after time. you should be able to get replacements from a local hort shop as they are the same parts for many of their fixtures.