Magnetic Ballast and Electronic Ballast on the Same Circuit

Replacing Magnetic Ballasts with Electronic Ballasts: Upgrading a Lighting Circuit and Installing Electronic Ballasts.

Upgrading a Lighting Circuit and Installing Electronic Ballasts
Electrical Question: I have a commercial building with fluorescent lighting.

All are T12 light fixture, two tubes per fixture.
Many of these are multiple fixtures controlled by a single switch.
I can no longer find the magnetic ballast for these due to the phase out.
So, here is my question:
- Can I mix and match old magnetic and newer electronic ballast on the same circuit when one goes bad?

This electrical question came from: Bill , a Property Manager from Louisville, Kentucky.

Additional Comments: Lot’s of great information.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Bill.

Installing Electronic Ballasts on Fluorescent Light Circuit

There is no problem with replacing the magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts, one at a time, light fixture by fixture, just keep track of the type of lamps that are specified on the label of the new electronic ballasts which will most likely be the T8 type lamps.
The great thing is that you can use the original sockets for the new lamps as well.

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2 Responses to “Magnetic Ballast and Electronic Ballast on the Same Circuit”

Keith says:

August 2, 2013 at 9:45 am

I want to replace a T12 magnetic ballast with an electronic ballast but, I am confused as far as the wiring. The magnetic one has black and white and two yellow wires on one end and a blue and red on the other and the electronic has only black and white on one end and one red and two blues on the other. Must I completely rewire the lighting?

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- Dave Rongey says:
  
  August 2, 2013 at 12:34 pm
  
  Hi Keith,
  Replacing a Light Fixture Magnetic Ballast with an Electronic Ballast
  - When replacing a magnetic ballast with an electronic ballast the black and white power wires are connected the same as before, and the ground as well.
  - The wiring to the lamp sockets must be converted as shown on the wiring diagram on the new electronic ballast.
  - You can use any existing wires from the sockets to splice with the new wiring as needed.
  - The ballast upgrade process is just a matter of replacing the ballast and making a few wire splices.
  Enjoy your new ballast, and don’t forget to install new lamps.
  Dave
  
  Enjoy your new ballast, and don’t forget to install new lamps.
  Dave
  
  Log in to Reply

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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs

Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.

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