Philips S2 Starter [4w-22w]

The Philips S2 (also called S2 Ecoclick or S2-P) is a small, 2-pin glow-switch starter used in older fluorescent tube lights with electromagnetic (conventional) ballasts. It’s the little round canister that sits next to the tube and makes the light “blink-on” when you switch it on.

Quick specs

• Wattage range: 4–22 W tubes (perfect for 15 W or 18 W T8 tubes you see in garages, kitchens, etc.)
• Voltage: 220–240 V (standard in Europe/UK/Australia); also works on 110–130 V in the USA for single tubes
• Connection types:
  • Single tube on one ballast
  • Two tubes in series on one ballast (common in 2-tube fittings)
• Colour: Usually white or light blue
• Base: 2-pin “turn-and-lock” (push in and twist ¼ turn)
• Capacitor inside: Yes – reduces radio interference
• Eco feature: Modern “Ecoclick” versions are radio-active free (no thorium)
• Lifespan: 8,000–10,000 starts; replace every time you change the tube

How to tell if yours is dead

1. Light flickers a lot or takes ages to start.
2. Ends of the tube stay black/orange.
3. Light won’t start at all (but the tube itself is OK).

Just twist the old starter anti-clockwise, pull it out, push a new S2 in and twist clockwise. Takes 10 seconds, no tools.