When a Fluorescent Light Ballast Needs to be Replaced
|
Does My Fluorescent Light Ballast Need to be Replaced? The Most Common Problems with Fluorescent Light Ballast and How to Fix Them. |
Fluorescent Light Ballast Problem
Electrical Question: Does My Fluorescent Light Ballast Need to be Replaced?
- I have a Fluorescent light fixture in our kitchen and one day we turned it on and the bulbs were dim and they would flicker and they were buzzing. It is for a 2 bulb T12 or T8 fixture. The Ballast is an electronic, Rapid Start.
- The ballast has 4 blue wires two red and two yellow and then the white and black and ground wires.
- I tried replacing the bulbs and it continued to do the same thing. I have read lots of people say you need to replace the ballast.
- So do I need to replace the Ballast, or is their something else I may not have tried? If I need to replace the ballast, which type of Ballast should I get and where should I get it from?
This electrical wiring question came from Daniel, in Red Deer, Canada.
Additional Comments: Thank you.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Daniel.
Problems with a Fluorescent Light Fixture Ballast
Application: Replace a Fluorescent Light Fixture Ballast.
Skill Level: Beginner to Intermediate – Best performed by a Licensed Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Hand Tools and Safe Ladder, flash light or drop light.
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.
The Most Common Problems with Fluorescent Light Ballast and How to Fix Them
Take notice of the type of lamps that are installed in the light fixture, and information on the ballast pertaining to the lamp types. The following will help you discover the problem with your light fixture ballast.
- Electrical Tip about T8 and T12 Fluorescent Lamps
- If T8 fluorescent lamps (the smaller tubes that are 1 inch diameter), or T12 fluorescent lamps (the wider tubes that are 1 1/8 inch diameter) burn out and stop working out where the ends of the lamps turn dark or black then the ballast may become faulty and need to be replaced.
- A lamp that is used daily will last about two years depending on the quality of the lamp and the lifespan in hours as stated by the lamp manufacturer.
- If you notice that a lamp begins to flicker, then it is time to replace the lamp. Where a light fixture has two lamps for each ballast it is best to replace both lamps at the same time.
- Fluorescent Light Fixture Lamps and Ballasts
- It is essential to know that the light fixture ballast and the lamps must be compatible with each other or there will be performance problems with the light fixture. The lamps will not work right, or they will burn out early.
- This may also cause the ballast to become faulty and need to be replaced as well. Therefore, the light fixture ballast must be compatible with the lamps.
- Key Point: Only install lamps that are listed on the label of the ballast.
- If the Ballast is Not Working
- If the lamps are correct as stated on the ballast label but will not turn on then then the ballast is most likely faulty and needs to be replaced. If this is the case this does present an opportunity to consider a different type of ballast and lamps for your application. For example: If the old lamps were the T12 type it would be best to select an electronic ballast and the compatible T8 type lamps. This combination will also cost less to operate than the old T12 lamp and ballast, and the electronic ballast perform much better in colder areas, which is a big factor for garages and workshops.
- Most fluorescent lamps and ballasts are available from a prominent hardware store, or a local electrical distributor or supplier.
More about Light Fixtures
How to Install Home Lighting.
How to Install Home Lighting
Lighting Electrical Codes
More about Electrical Supply Companies
Electrical Suppliers
Electrical Supply Houses can be found in your area and many will allow homeowners to purchase from them. If you are planning a major remodel project you may want to consider them for your electrical materials.
The following may also be helpful for you:
|
||||||||
Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
||
| More articles about Electrical Wiring, Fluorescent, Light Bulbs Burn Out Often, Light Fixture, Magnetic Ballasts and Home Electrical Wiring: | |
| « Previous | Next » |
| How To Wire A Photocell To Control A Light Fixture | Electrical Occupation Outlook |
