Ceiling light switch replaced but there is another problem!

[jab]

Well I replaced the ceiling and bead light switches with piano style house switches for a few reasons. One the light switch worked sometimes, second when we were at the sink we constantly bumped the switches and turned them on and off accidentally, not any more, and third when I tried to take apart the old switches I had to destroy them! Now comes the kicker, the ceiling lights still work intermittently. I know the switch was part of the problem but now what? The switch control two florescent lights.

P.S. I figured out how the switch comes apart, not like a service tech told me! He said to pry the cover off from the top and bottom, that does come off. Pry on either side of the button in the center and the button will come off and then you can get at the screws that hold the switch to the wall.

[larrybell]

You might want to try a new starter for the lights.

[jab]

I didn't realize the lights used starters. there are three of them and they all either work or not at the same time. Do you think a starter would cause that? Thanks, Jeff

[larrybell]

Home lights use starters. However, there is usually one for each fixture.

[jab]

OK it doesn't sound like that is the problem since all three ceiling lights go on and off together. It does sound like a loose connection but WHERE??? I have no idea where to look so I am going to start under the bed where most of the breakers are. Any ideas or suggestions?

[jab]

Got it, I think!!! First of I checked and there are no starters in the lights. I checked under the bed and found one wire that was physically somewhat hot, the yellow ceiling light wire. That meant a poor connection and sure enough when I wiggled it the lights flashed. I changed it with another terminal, redid the connection and changed the fuse because I didn't like the way it looked. The lights stay on and don't flash anymore. I hope that is the end of this problem!

P.S. My wife really likes the new switches, says she won't be bumping them accidentally turning on and off the lights.

[RJ82much]

Nice detective work....

and yes, those humongous switches are a pain.