whetu Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 I recently purchased a second-hand light fitting off an online auction and have been a bit disappointed in my purchase. I am not blaming the seller - I blame myself for not asking enough questions before I decided to buy it. After my experience I thought it might be useful to compile a list of questions to ask, to avoid disappointment and/or unrealistic expectations. Some of these questions are a matter of personal preference (for example it may or may not be important to you whether you can turn the two tubes on and off individually). Here are mine: How long is the fitting? How long is the tube that fits inside the fitting? (For example my old 4-foot fitting takes 4-foot tubes. The 'new' 4-foot fitting only takes 3-foot tubes)How many tubes does it accommodate? (Single or double)If it's a double fitting, can you turn the tubes on and off individually?Do (both) the fittings work? (Tubes don't matter... they are cheap. But get the seller's assurance that they have tried the light and it actually works!)How old is it (approximately)?Does it have a reflector? If so, what condition is the reflector in? (Factor in the price of a replacement reflector if it's cracked, badly scratched or corroded)Does it have a perspex cover? (The bit that goes between the tubes and the tank - helps reduce condensation inside the unit)Is there any corrosion in/on the unit?Is there any obvious damage? (eg. cracked case, missing parts)Are the plug and electrical cord in good condition? You might also like to ask the seller to show you the light functioning before you take it away. I got mine home, plugged it in, and only one tube worked. I swapped the tubes over and that side still didn't work. When I showed it to the seller, he accused me of breaking it when I swapped the tubes over. Are there any other questions you would ask? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phoenix44 Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 does it make any sounds? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LYNDYLOO Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Hmmm I just commented on this Thread it's mysteriously disappered Could be the Ballast or the Transformer, both are available from a good Electrical Supplier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 does it make any sounds? LOL thanks phoenix! I'm going to try to work out what the annoying buzzing sound :evil: is before I add that to my list! I'm hoping it is something that's easy to fix! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LYNDYLOO Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Replacing the Transforner or Ballast is pretty straight forward whetu Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
whetu Posted July 26, 2009 Author Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 Hmmm I just commented on this Thread it's mysteriously disappered LOL sorry to confuse you Lyndy! I have made two different topics: This one as a general guide to buying second-hand fittings and another one dealing with the specific annoying buzzing noise :evil: that is afflicting my light. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LYNDYLOO Posted July 26, 2009 Report Share Posted July 26, 2009 :oops: :lol: Thought I was having a moment of Insanity whetu :oops: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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