Things To Know About: Flash Tubes

Flash Tubes can be pricey to replace when they die, so it's important to ensure they last as long as possible, and that you can also spot the signs of failure so you can replace them. Here's what you need to know for maximum flash tube longevity:

General Lifespan

Flash tubes can last a very long time if not abused, with some users reporting using units for years. The lifespan of a photography flash tube varies depending on usage, but they typically last for a considerable length of time, with some lasting hundreds of thousands of flashes!

Proper Flash Tube Care

There are lots of things you can also in general day-to-day care to ensure your flash tubes last a long time, including:

• ❌ Not touching flash tubes with your bare hands. Oil from your skin can transfer to the glass, and make it heat up faster, increasing the risk of the glass becoming damaged. Use clean rubber gloves or a clean cloth to handle.
• ✅ Removing/replacing gently: They are glass, after all! Flash tubes should be fairly easy to remove and plug in, but make sure you don't put too much pressure on them for the sake of the tube and also your hands! If it seems to be jammed, try gently wiggling near the base of the tube as this can sometimes help move it.
• ✅ Reduce the risk of smashing! Use properly weighted sandbags on your stand and tape down any trip-hazard loose wires to avoid smashed flash tubes and beaten-up flashes.

You can find a more in-depth guide of Safety Tips for your flash tubes here   |   Care Tips for Your Flash Tubes

Factors Affecting Lifespan

• Power Level: Using flash tubes at lower power settings extends their lifespan as they don't have to work as hard, while frequent use at high power or high-speed synchronization (HSS) can shorten it. 
• Thermal Cycling: Rapid heating and cooling (thermal cycling) due to repeated use, especially at high power, can cause cracking and reduce the lifespan of the tube. 
• Cooling: Proper cooling is important, as some flashes can overheat with continuous high-power use, leading to premature failure. 

Signs of Failure

A reliable indication that a flash tube is nearing the end of its life is when it becomes unreliable at the very lowest power settings. A common sign of failure is misfiring, where your flash doesn't fire fully or at all when triggered. 

Got a problem with your flash misfiring? Check out our diagnostic blog for misfiring to see if any of our other suggested fixes work before replacing your flash tube   |   Why is my Flash Misfiring?

Structural Failure

A failure can also be defined as "mini-cracks" starting to appear in the tubes, which lowers their output as the gas inside it can leak out.

Flash tubes, much like filament light bulbs, can burn out, which can be seen by charring or by a broken filament inside the tube. In this case, the flash tube will be completely dead and in need of replacing. 

Testing

Flash tubes are tested by subjecting them to continuous, full-power pops at a rate of one every 20 seconds, which is a stress-test that can cause thermal cycles. If they continue to fail during this test, it may be time to replace the tube. 

Spare Flash Tubes

If you're in need of a replacement flash tube for your Godox or PiXAPRO flash, you can find these here. Make sure to double check the model of your flash to ensure you've got the right tube. Some flash tubes are compatible with multiple flashes from the same range such as the LUMI200 & LUMI400. 

Flash Tube Warranty

If you think your flash tube may be covered under warranty, you can check this on our warranty page: www.essentialphoto.co.uk/pages/warranty

Glass Products, including Flash Tubes, Modelling Bulbs, Glass Covers etc, are covered for manufacturer faults by a maximum of 6 months warranty from the point of purchase. If it just stops working for example, please let us know as soon as possible to ensure you're within your warranty period and we can get this replaced for you.

Damage such as smashing, bent pins due to incorrect inserting etc will not be covered under warranty, and any issues reported after 6 months will not be covered.

Still need help or advice? Get in touch with our support team at info@essentialphoto.co.uk for assistance.