Ballast/starter

hey guys, how do you tell if the reason your flo bulb does not work...is it the bulb, the starter or the ballast?  any test for each like shaking the bulb to see if the filament is broke?  i know that does not work, but if you do not have another flo setup to test your bulb, then what do you do?  i would hate to have to replace all.  i have a new bulb that flashed when i put it in and then i went out and replaced the starter.  any help from you electricians?  thanx

[audiobeer]

Your bulb is shot now. When ever I get a machine that has a bulb that is shot or won't light up I always replace the ballast and starter before replacing the bulb. The ballast costs $4 to $5 and the starter $1. Both items are less than the bulb. If the bulb when screwed in flashed and never flickered after that then it's a real good chance that both the bulb and starter are shot. That being the case you know now you got to get the ballast. They sell them at Home depot or a Lowes and just abount any local hardware store has them. Let us know.

i bought 2 new starters so i'm cool there, the bulbs are 10 bucs.  i was looking at ballast at home repo, but did not know what kind, i guess i will have to take it off and take it with me to match.  if no match what should i get?  thanx

[globalcompressors]

You will find a match, no problem. When we redo a lighting system, we always
replace the bulb, starter, and ballast. Don't be cheap, trying to save a couple
of bucks. It will bite you in the long run!   '>

Eric  '>

[sodaworks]

I totally agree with Eric.