Weird flourescent fixture problem

[SuperRad]

Any electricians, or people who've used flourescent fixtures from a hardware store?

I bought a 3 foot flourescent light fixture from lowes. i built it, according to the instructions, as the wires were already connected to the connectors on each end. There's a black and white wire in there, and according to the Ballast, it says that the white and black should be connected to a power cable. I cut a new extension cord, and attached the bigger prong wire to the black wire from the ballast. i attached the white wire to the smaller prong on the extension cord. They are properly connected as i used those wire twist connector things.

I powered on the light and it does not turn on. if i spin the flourescent bulb it will turn on, and then if i unplug it, and plug it back in, with the light in the same position, it won't turn on untill i spin the tube again.

I dont know what can be causing the problem, would anyone know?

 

[Vegas Chad]

Without actually seeing it.. it would be hard for me to help much. Sounds like it might be the unit itself. I would take the whole thing back and buy one with a prewired power cord... They are about 6-8 bucks and have the power already installed, just plug it in.

 

[SuperRad]

alright cool. maybe i'll try home depot. cause lowes only had that one for 36 inch bulbs.

 

[NickBoudin]

I just bought a 4 foot fixture, and 2 6500k bulbs from Home Depot for around 25 dollars. It's a shop light. Works perfect!




Edit: It's for my paludarium, dont worry. No chameleons in there.