How do fluorescent lamps work? In the fluorescent lamp circuit, the current starts from the left pin of the plug, flows through the rectifier, one filament of the lamp tube, the closed switch in the starter and another filament of the lamp tube, and finally flows out from the right pin of the plug. The current will heat the two small components of the fluorescent tube, and then the starter will open to make the current flow through the fluorescent lamp.

The rectifier is a magnetic coil used to regulate the current flowing through the lamp. When the starter is opened, an arc surge will pass through the lamp tube. Then, after the lamp tube emits light, the starter will insist on the current flowing at an accurate speed. In most fluorescent lamps, the starter is an automatic switch. When it detects that the lamp tube emits light, it will always be disconnected. As long as the lamp power is disconnected, the starter will be closed.

Many fluorescent lamps include multiple tubes to provide better lighting. These fluorescent lamps are equipped with separate rectifiers and starters for each tube. It may appear that two lamps share a rectifier, but in fact, two rectifiers may be built in a box. Similarly, lamps including four tubes are equipped with four starters and four rectifiers. In some types of lamps, the starters are built-in and cannot be replaced separately.

Article from: LED fluorescent tube manufacturer http://www.jinleidj.com/