RV lighting

[art321]

I've got 2 of those 8.25 inch, round fluorescent ceiling bulbs that are burned out in our RV. I've gone online at GE to see about getting some new ones and I only get a reference to an interior bulb. Can you use these on a DC circuit or do you need to get a specific DC bulb? The folks at Camping World had no idea. I was just wondering if something in the ballast allowed one to use a regular bulb in it.

[sparcebag]

With regular bulbs you need special 12V bulbs,I have a 12V trouble light 120V dont work.In your RV does it have some kind of a transformer that reverts 12V DC to 120 AC ? It must have converter from 120AC to 12V DC.

[art321]

yeah, it has the converter for when I am plugged in. I'm just not sure how the fluorescents work when I'm getting power from the 12V batteries.

[sparcebag]

I guess with no one giving answers at the RV places get one put it in try it if it does'nt work,You'll know to look for a different voltage tube,return it!

[art321]

Well here is what I found. I just got back from Menards and just bought the regular bulbs. The part number was the same. I put it in the fixture but it didn't light. So I put it in one of the fixtures that did have a working bulb and the one from Menards works. So I guess I CAN run regular fluorescent bulbs in those fixtures. Turns out it is the two fixtures that are bad. Time for new ballasts or new fixtures. The one won't even spark. The other gives a very minimal glow. Does that sound like a ballast problem? Thanks, I'm new to this RVing stuff and this is an old, old model.

[sparcebag]

Ya but for the cost you may as well replace the fixture,I believe 90% of the cost will be ballast.Also check for power before ballast.

[art321]

Thanks Sparce. I'll defintely be checking the power next. Then, if all checks out well, as you said, I think it is a good time to upgrade to a completely new fixture.