Spending money on decent lighting is not a waste as you will get decades of performance from these units. For this reason, you will find many owners switch to brands like Philips and Sengled for their smart homes. Now, Philips might be the top brand when it comes to high-quality lighting products, but even the best devices can sometimes malfunction.
When it comes to Philips InstantFit T8, there have been a few reports on this unit not working. It can be pretty annoying when you put all that time into installing a new tube, and it won’t work. So, here are some troubleshooting steps that can help fix Philips Instantfit T8 if it is not working in your lighting setup.
Fixing Philips InstantFit T8 Not Working
- Check Ballast CompatibilityÂ
The vast majority of customers who were struggling with Philips Instantfit T8 not working mentioned that they were using the wrong ballast to install the tube. This unit from Philips is only compatible with a limited number of ballasts, and you won’t get any performance if you try other ballasts.
So, you have to check the compatibility of the ballast from the compatibility guide provided on Philips’ official page. If the ballast is not listed on the compatibility guide, you need to switch the ballast and then try using the tube.
- Replace Blown Ballast
If the Philips Instantfit T8 was working perfectly up to this point and has just started to malfunction, then there is a decent possibility that the ballast has blown out. You need to replace this ballast with the same model if the tube worked perfectly before. Switching the models of the ballast can create compatibility issues, and you will just be dealing with the same situation again. So, make sure to buy the same model of ballast and double-check the compatibility to avoid wasting your money on a bad unit.
- Remove Remote Starter
Many times owners forget to remove the remote starter when installing their Philips Instantfit T8. The presence of the remote starter interferes with the functionality of the tube, and you won’t get the light to turn on as long as the remote starter is present. So, to avoid issues with the remote starter, it is a good idea to remove the starter and then try engaging the lights again. If the tube is not damaged, it should start working after the remote starter has been removed from the luminaire.
- Check Wiring & Power
While it is not that common for users to run into wiring issues, you still can’t eliminate the possibility of this problem. If you’re sure that none of the above solutions apply to your situation, then now is a good time to grab a multimeter and check the power. Make sure that the wiring is in perfect shape and that no wires are pinched or damaged. If you’re dealing with damaged wiring, then replace the wires immediately after turning off the main supply. Seek help from a professional if you’re not that experienced in fixing electrical connections.
- Inspect Lamp Holders
Excessive debris caught between the lamp holder and the connection point of the tube is another major cause behind Philips Instantfit T8 not working. So, if you’re in a situation with the Instantfit not working even after trying all the troubleshooting methods mentioned above, then now is a good time to clean the lamp holder. Just make sure that the main power is turned off to avoid electrocuting yourself. Once the lamp holders are clean, you can fix the Philips Instantfit T8 into place and turn on the power.
- Call Philips
The possibility of a defective tube is always there, even when you’ve just bought the unit. So, there is no harm in calling the experts and having them help you with the situation. The good thing here is that your warranty will cover these issues, and if the tube is indeed defective, you can demand a free replacement. However, make sure to go through the compatibility list for the ballast as that is the leading cause behind problems with Philips Instantfit not working. Once you’re sure that the issue is not related to the ballast, give a call to Philips customer support.