This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation of the life of T5 fluorescent tubes and compact fluorescent lamps with non-integrated ballasts. The lamps were operated on five different cycles with either instant start ballasts or electrode preheating ballasts. The influence of the operation time on the lamp life of every start was examined. During both the start and the operation of the lamps, measurements of particular electrical characteristics were carried out. The investigation focused on the effect of the starting and operating characteristics on the lamp lifetime. Lamps operating with ballasts providing preheat at the start up, showed a systematic change in certain electrical characteristics that can help to predict their failure.
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