sometimes the strip light works for days at a time, sometimes it doesn't for days at a time; when not working the ends have a dull glow but it doesn't light up....the light is in the garage, the tumble dryer is in there, though vented outside...if this may be relevant

John53, January 2010

Fluorescent lamps sometimes won't strike if they're too cold. The glowing at the ends is the preheat coils trying to warm the lamp up.

Try replacing the starter, or leaving the tumble drier on for half an hour before you want the light on.

Adam, January 2010