how does the fluorescent light bulb work

If there is an insulation fault or gap between those two electrodes, then current can’t pass through and illuminate the bulb. As electricity passes through the tube, it has to jump a distance between two electrodes at either end of the tube. When a fluorescent light is powered on, but not functioning properly, the issue often lies within the electricity supply. Have you ever experienced the frustration of getting a stubborn fluorescent light to work, only to have it switch on after you hit or touch it? It may sound like sorcery, but there’s a scientific explanation for what’s going on. In layman’s terms, there is mercury in the phosphor coating which ionizes and creates an arc when you touch it, thus lighting up the tube. This will introduce a new potential power source and might get it started again. If one of the light bulbs isn’t working, try touching it. This can come from sources like background radiation or other bursts of energy. To initiate the arc, a small amount of radiation is needed.

Though the ballast provides enough potential energy to sustain the arc, it’s not reasonably sufficient to strike it. Fluorescent tubes are a type of Arc tube, meaning, when an electrical current runs through the filaments of a fluorescent tube, it ionizes the mercury vapour inside and creates UV light. If this is the case, you should contact a professional electrician for help–they will be able to diagnose and fix any issues with your electrical system or install new lights if needed.Īnother reason why touching fluorescent tubes can get them to work is the transfer of static charge to the tube that kicks off the arc. You may have an old fixture, or the connections may just be loose from age or wear and tear. Loose contacts are definitely another possibility when it comes to why your fluorescent light only comes on when you touch it. So, when you turn off your fluorescent light switch and then touch it, you are essentially giving it the final spark of electricity it needs to come on. This creates a spark that ignites the gas inside and causes it to glow brightly.

When you touch a fluorescent light, you complete an electrical circuit, allowing electricity to flow from one end of the bulb to the other. A common question we get asked is, why does touching a fluorescent light sometimes make it work? The answer lies in the special technology of fluorescent lights.

How does the fluorescent light bulb work