Arcadia ProT5 Troubleshooting Guide
If your Arcadia ProT5 UVB light is not turning on, flickering, pulsing or appears to have a loose connection, don't immediately assume that the tube or fitting is faulty.
Arcadia ProT5 units require the T5 tube and power cable to be installed correctly to establish proper electrical contact. This guide covers the most common Arcadia ProT5 problems and the steps to check before contacting us about a faulty unit.
Arcadia ProT5 Not Turning On
If your Arcadia ProT5 is not working or the UVB tube won't turn on, check the following before assuming the unit is faulty:
- Switch the ProT5 unit off.
- Check that the T5 tube is fully inserted into both lamp holders.
- Rotate the tube a full 90° into the locked position.
- Check that the power cable is pushed firmly into the ProT5 fitting.
- Check that the power point is switched on.
- Turn the ProT5 unit back on.
The tube pins should first line up with the slots in the lamp holder. Push the tube straight into the sockets until fully seated, then rotate it 90° until the lamp holders reach their closed/locked position.
Important: Don't Turn the ProT5 On at a 45° Angle
One of the most important installation points with the Arcadia ProT5 is ensuring the tube has been completely rotated into position before switching the unit on.
Do not power the lamp while the tube is sitting at approximately 45°.
Arcadia warns that this can prevent proper electrical contact and may damage the tube or fitting.
How to Correctly Install an Arcadia T5 UVB Tube
Step 1 – Turn the Power Off
Make sure the ProT5 is switched off using the inline switch before installing or adjusting the tube.
Step 2 – Insert the T5 Tube
Align the two pins on each end of the T5 tube with the slots in the lamp holders.
Push the tube straight into the sockets until it is fully seated.
Step 3 – Rotate the Tube 90°
Once fully inserted, rotate the tube 90° until the lamp holder reaches its closed/locked position.
Step 4 – Turn the ProT5 On
Once the tube is securely locked in position, switch the unit on using the inline switch.
Arcadia ProT5 Power Cable Not Connecting Properly
Another important check is the removable power connector.
Push the connector firmly into the light fitting until it is fully seated.
Don't assume that the connector isn't installed correctly simply because you can still see part of the alignment groove. According to Arcadia, a small portion of the alignment groove remains visible when the connector is correctly installed.
New Arcadia T5 Tube Flickering or Pulsing
A new Arcadia T5 tube may flicker or pulse when it is first switched on.
This does not necessarily mean the tube or ProT5 fitting is faulty.
Arcadia states that a new T5 tube may require a short warm-up period and can flicker or pulse for up to approximately 20 minutes while the internal gases activate the phosphor coating.
Allow the lamp to operate normally during this initial period.
If flickering continues after the initial warm-up period, turn the unit off and recheck that the tube is completely seated and locked into position.
Arcadia ProT5 Still Not Working?
If you've completed the steps above and your Arcadia ProT5 still won't turn on:
- Check the power cable for visible damage.
- Confirm the tube is fully seated and rotated into the locked position.
- Confirm the power connector is firmly inserted.
- Try an appropriate replacement T5 tube if one is available to determine whether the problem is the tube or fitting.
- Contact the retailer you purchased the unit from if the problem continues.
Arcadia's documentation specifically recommends inspecting the cable for visible damage and contacting the original place of purchase if the installation steps don't resolve the issue.
What We Need for an Arcadia ProT5 Warranty Claim
To help us assess a potential warranty issue as quickly as possible, please provide:
A description of the problem, the troubleshooting steps you've already completed, clear photographs of the complete lighting setup, proof of purchase and any other relevant information.
Those are also the details Arcadia requests when a problem cannot be resolved through the initial troubleshooting process.
Need a Replacement Arcadia ProT5 or UVB Tube?
If your unit or UVB tube needs replacing, browse our Arcadia ProT5 & LumenIZE UVB Lighting range for standard ProT5 kits, LumenIZE ProT5 systems and replacement Arcadia T5 UVB tubes.
Arcadia ProT5 Troubleshooting FAQs
Why won't my Arcadia ProT5 turn on?
First check that the T5 tube is fully inserted and rotated 90° into its locked position. Also check that the removable power connector is firmly seated and that the inline switch and wall power are on.
Why is my new Arcadia T5 UVB tube flickering?
Some T5 tubes may flicker or pulse during their initial warm-up. Arcadia advises that this can occur for up to approximately 20 minutes during first operation.
Can I turn an Arcadia T5 tube on before it is fully rotated?
No. The tube should be completely seated and rotated 90° into the locked position before being powered. Arcadia specifically warns against powering the tube at approximately 45°.
Should the Arcadia ProT5 power cable alignment groove still be visible?
Yes. A small portion of the alignment groove can remain visible even when the connector is correctly and fully inserted.
How do I know whether my Arcadia T5 tube or fitting is faulty?
First reinstall the tube correctly and check the power connection. If the problem remains, testing the fitting with another compatible T5 tube can help isolate whether the issue is with the tube or the fitting.
