Changing a Fluorescent Light Fixture Ballast
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My Florescent Light Went Out, How Do I Replace the Light Fixture Ballast? How to Make Your Fluorescent Light Fixture Last Longer and Avoid Burning Out the Expensive Ballast. |
Guide to Residential Electrical Wiring
How to Make Your Fluorescent Light Ballast Last Longer
Electrical Question: My florescent light went out over my bathroom sink.
- It was old so figured the ballast was bad and replaced it.
- For two days the light would not come on so I planned today to replace the two four foot bulbs.
- This morning I inadvertently flipped the switch and it came on.
I know zero about electrical matters and wonder how that could happen?
Please advise – Thanks
This electrical question came from: Ken, a Homeowner from Pickens, South Carolina.
Additional Comments: This is the first time I have seen your web site.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Ken.
Replacing a Fixture Ballast
Application: Replacing a Fluorescent Light Fixture Ballast.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal experience, the light fixture and access to the light fixture.
Precaution: Identify the light fixture circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.
Notice: Replacement parts for the light fixture should be compatible with the type of fluorescent lamps that have been installed.
How to Replace a Light Fixture Ballast
Electrician Explains How to Replace a Light Fixture Ballast
Make the Fluorescent Light Fixture Last Longer to Avoid Burning Out the Ballast
The Key to a Longer Lasting Florescent Ballast
- Ken, the reason why fluorescent light fixture ballasts usually burn out is because the fluorescent lamps are allowed to burn out in the socket.
- If the lamps begin to look faded, flicker or appear to have dark ends then the lamps need to be changed.
- It is always best to install a new set of lamps whenever the ballast is replaced. If this has been done and the lamps are not starting right away then this is usually an indication that the light fixture is not properly grounded.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Dave,
During the recent power outage I used a generator to power my fish tanks. The result was two burned out power strips ( one actually burned ) and two burned out ballasts in the aquarium light fixtures. I checked the generator voltage and it was between 117-125.
What caused the problems??
Thanks,
Terry
Hi Terry,
Sorry to hear about the problem with the power outage and generator. I have seen the same thing happen, and what we concluded was that the voltage from the generator fluctuated because it was powering up other devices that turned On at the same time which pulled down the voltage. When the voltage drops it causes power supplies such as the ballast to overheat. Having a good brand power strip will protect whatever is plugged in to the point of self destruct. The voltage that you have stated is in the safe zone, but it must be steady and the 60 cycles or hertz must be right as well.
I highly recommend generators that are sized appropriately and have electronic voltage regulators.
I hope your fish are OK.
Dave
Sorry, don’t know the correct verbage. My bathroom florescent fixture is a 2-light type and has one broken socket at one end of one of the lights. I have another model workshop florescent fixture. Could I just use one socket from it to replace the broken one. Worse case, can I use the work light ballast RS lamp to replace the bath one?
Bath: Two F40W T12 RS lamp (120V. 60 Hertz)
Work Light: Two F40 430 Mars lamp (120V, 60 Hertz) or two 4FT 34W/35w RS-lamp 460 MA Max
Thank you!
Yes Al,
The two pin florescent lamp sockets are compatible for both T12 and T8 Lamps, the only difference may be the height of the socket.
FYI – these sockets may be purchased from your local hardware store.
Dave