overhead kitchen light(s) 2?

i have overhead flourescent lights in my kitchen.i removed the cover(and broke it)1 tube is black at the end so it's bad however the other one is very dim.should i just get 2 new bulbs?and a new cover lol.

Public Comments

1. At the least you should replace both tubes...Don't know if you'll find a replacement cover...You might want to replace the whole fixture
2. The "dim" bulb will brighten if you put a new bulb in the other side. However, it will probably not last very long if it is the same age as the one that is burned out. I suggest you replace them both to keep from having to do it all again if a few months. As to the cover, you should be able to get a ne one at Lowe's or HomeDepot. if you want one. Bert
3. I would replace both bulbs and if you have to "cut to fit" the cover, put a peice of tape along the side you are cutting, and score it with a tile knife. I have wrecked a few myself because they are brittle.
4. replace the bulbs and if it doesn't light back up you will have to replace the ballast. It is located above the inner cover. turn off power and cut the ballast wires close to the ballast.Remove it (be careful it might be very hot or it might have black goo coming off it) Take it down to the nearest hardware store and get the exact ballast replacment. Hook the wiring color to color. As far as the cover, if it is a recessed fixture, the hardware store should have a replacment for it and also will cut it for you if you have the exact measurements. If it a surface mount fixture, you will have to call electrical supply companies untill you find the right one. the model # of the fixture will assure you get the right one.
5. I'd buy a new fixture and two new bulbs. You'll never find a replacment cover. Have someone who knows what they are doing install the fixture. You sound like you have two left thumbs. New fixtures start at about $20 at Home Depot.