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Changing Your Electrical Ballast
In Your Fluorescent Light Fixture

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The definition of an electrical ballast: According to Wikipedia, it is a device intended to limit the amount of current in an electric circuit. There are two types, magnetic and electronic. Magnetic is the older style. It gets really hot and then leaks tar. It also hums.



Fluorescent light fixtures have ballasts in them and they are easy to replace if you know what to do. But, first you need to make sure that the ballast is your problem.





black rings on fluorescent light bulbs

  • Take the cover off of the light fixture and check to see if the fluorescent bulbs have black rings near the base of the bulbs? If so, replace the bulbs and then flip the switch on to see if it works.

    NOTE: Black rings are a sign that the bulbs are bad. If no black rings, then the ballast probably needs to be replaced.



Replacing an electrical ballast is not a difficult thing to do. But, always use caution when it involves electricity.

FIRST, TURN OFF THE ELECTRICITY AT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL.



    fluorescent light bulbs have been removed



  • Remove the light bulbs. Careful, as the bulbs break easily.









    • ballast with loose cover


  • Remove the cover over the ballast.









    • ballast without cover


  • The black thing with all the wires is the ballast.









    • Cutting the old ballast out.


  • Cut the wires off in the middle and remove the ballast. Take the ballast to the store to make sure you are buying the same electrical type ballast.








    • matching the electrical specifications of new ballast

  • Match the electrical specifications of the new unit to the old unit. Make sure the physical dimensions are the same as it makes it easier to install.

  • Then, put the new ballast in place.








    • The wires have been stripped.


  • Cut off the excess wire and then strip the ends so the wire inside shows.









    • Twisting the wires.


  • Match the colors to match the diagram on the ballast. Then twist the wires together using wire nuts.









    • Connecting the power wire to the ballast


  • Connect the power wire to the ballast using wire nuts.









    • installing the bulbs


  • Put the cover back on the ballast to hide and protect the wires and install the bulbs.









  • TURN THE POWER BACK ON AT THE MAIN ELECTRICAL PANEL

  • Turn the light fixture on to make sure it works.

  • Put the light cover back on.



    • testing if there is voltage in the wire

    NOTE: I use a voltage tester to check for power anywhere. If the tester gets NEAR voltage it lights up RED and buzzes, this tells me there is current and not to touch anything.








    There are two types of electrical ballasts:





      magnetic ballast




    • A magnetic version: This version is the older style, which will get really hot and then leak tar. It will also hum.







      • electronic ballast




    • A electronic version: This version is more stable and does not buzz.




    You might have noticed that there are two types of light fixtures on this page. I rewired the second lamp due to the fact that I decided to change the ballast type.

    We went from 40W T12 bulbs with a color temperature of cool white 3200K to a Natural daylight 5000K using 32W T8 bulbs. The light is brighter and use less electricity. If you look at the ballast pictures you can see the wiring differences.

    Changing Your Electrical Ballast to Home Repairs

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    If you do not want to do-it-yourself, check here for contractors in your area for just about anything from fixing your water heater to a whole house remodel.

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