Fluorescent tube starter needs a tap in winter

[Colh107]

The light in my kitchen comes on fine most of the time, but in cold temperatures it will just ping with a "trying to fire" flash every few seconds. I give the end of the starter a tap and it then comes on.
When this first occurred a few yrs ago I changed the starter but it didn't improve. Anything else it might be - failing tube, lose starter contacts?

 

[AndyPRK]

If the ends of the tube light black, when its trying to start, it's probably the tube

It's nearly 2025.

Get a replacement LED tube (that comes with a starter bypass)
or replace the whole light unit with a panel LED light

 

[Colh107]

Yeah, I had also been thinking to change to LED - hadn't yet read up on what's needed for a drop-in replacement ("starter bypass" - thanks)

 

[AndyPRK]

Sometimes they come included (like this one).

Energizer T8 LED Tubes 2ft 4ft 5ft 6ft - Cool / Daylight | eBay

E nergizer High Tech T8 LED Tubes. Durable and flicker free, LED Tube Lights from Energizer can be applied to offices, car parks, hallways and many more. Then slot in your LED Energizer Tube. T8 Fluorescent Tubes.

www.ebay.co.uk

I've used these energizer ones (not the red box version though). And have no complaints