How a Fluorescent Light Works - Schematic Animation

Animation shows the circuit of the first kind of fluorescent lamp called the preheat. See how the ballast and starting switch work to strike an arc in the lamp. See the timing of the AC power cycle and why the lamp flickers before it gets a good start. Model of lamp with and without a ballast. See the tungsten filaments warm up. To get the full description of how it works go to www.EdisonTechCenter.org/Fluorescent.html.