Ok, first - “we’d have to fiddle with the switch before it would catch” tells me that the switch is at the end of its life. MA single pole switch has 2 positions, open and closed (they should not be held in any other position, or it can cause damage.

Ballast also don’t last forever.

If I have a fluorescent light that isn’t working, I take these steps.

1. Power off, swap the lamps (fluorescent tubes) with a pair that I know for a fact work and inspect the tombstones.

If the lamps still don’t come on…this is telling me it’s more than likely the ballast that needs to be replaced.

2. Power off, remove the lamps, open the guts to expose the ballast, confirm it’s the correct ballast by reading the label (the label will show the line voltage and lamps that it’s compatible with). Disconnect the feed from the ballast, power on and test for voltage. The voltage should be around 110-120v.

(Do not work on live electricity unless you are a trained individual and have the proper PPE)

After confirming I have the correct voltage, working lamps and undamaged tombstone’s, I will replace the ballast.I’m

In the future, just get a new built it led fixture. They’re affordable and way less hassle.

LED replacements.

Ballast compatible LED tubes will not work with magnetic ballast, and they can damage the electronics.

Ballast bypass LED tubes can be damaged if you do not remove the ballast, definitely by a magnetic ballast, less likely with electronic ballast but it can still happen. The ballast must be removed for these to function properly.