🔍 Key Concepts

• Fluorescent lamp operation – how the tube, starter, and ballast work together • What darkened tube ends usually indicate about the condition of the lamp • Difference between parts that are consumable vs. long‑life components in a lighting circuit

💭 Think About

• Think about which part of the fluorescent lighting system is designed to wear out first in normal use • If both ends of the tube are badly darkened and it will not light, what does that say about the condition of the gas and electrodes inside the tube itself? • Which components (starter, ballast, breaker) usually either work or fail suddenly, without causing visible darkening on the lamp ends?

✅ Before You Answer

• Confirm which component shows visible symptoms like darkened ends when it is failing • Identify which part of the system is normally treated as a replaceable consumable item in regular maintenance • Make sure the choice you pick is the one most directly associated with electrode wear and gas depletion, not just any electrical fault