Fluorescent lighting has become popular in many new homes and remodeling adventures since fluorescent lights do not produce as much heat as incandescent light bulbs, have a longer lifespan than other types of bulbs and use less electricity. Just light any other type of light, fluorescent lights will need to be replaced. When this occurs, you need to know the type of fluorescent socket used in the lamp to know the type of replacement tube.
There are several different types of fluorescent lighting, but they all fall into one of these categories: preheat, rapid start and instant start. This matters because it tells you which type of fluorescent socket to use. Any lamp that uses the wrong fluorescent socket can melt and create a fire hazard.
All fluorescent sockets are available in either medium or tall profiles. The profile just determines how tall the socket is. They are then grouped into shunted or non-shunted sockets.
An instant-start ballast that uses a single track for the electrical current is called a shunted socket. The socket joins two points on the circuit with a conductor so the electrical current can travel from the ballast through the socket to the lamp pins.
A programmed-start ballast will not join the two points. There are two separate points of entry for the wires which creates two tracks for the electricity to travel. This is called a non-shunted socket.
Typically, it is not easy to determine the difference between the sockets. Many can be identified by the number of wires going into the base. However, the best way to test the socket type is to use a voltage meter.
Knowing which type of socket to use when replacing fluorescent sockets is important for your safety. Always follow proper safety protocols when working with electricity and replacing fluorescent sockets.
