is it ok to run flourescent lamps with only one bulb?

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Just cause asked:


is it ok to run flourescent lamps with only one bulb when there are two spaces?

I have a flourescent shop overhead light and one of the two “bulbs” flickers. If i remove that tube (bulb) and continue to use the lamp, would it be bad for the ballast?
It is a 4 foot light with each tube being 40 watts.
Right now it •seems• to be working fine with only one bulb in it.
I will replace the bulb, im just asking for “in the mean time”.

Monorail Lighting Fixtures

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    • This entry was posted on Tuesday, August 24th, 2010 at 5:43 am and is filed under Lamps. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

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    No Responses to “is it ok to run flourescent lamps with only one bulb?”

    1. FinalFantasyGirl Says:
      August 25th, 2010 at 12:58 pm

      My lamp only has one bulb.

    2. Sharon Says:
      August 26th, 2010 at 2:03 am

      If you remove the flickering bulb the other bulb will go out.

    3. Mr Fixit Says:
      August 27th, 2010 at 7:46 am

      if the one bulb remains on, then you have a split system and there is nothing wrong with running it, however why not spend 1.79 and get another bulb

    4. wattoman Says:
      August 28th, 2010 at 1:45 am

      The ballast will be perfectly ok.

    5. pipe strangler Says:
      August 31st, 2010 at 1:43 am

      For each tube remove the unused starterl.
      The unused starterl.