When should I replace my fluorescent ballast?

When should I replace my fluorescent ballast?

When your fluorescent light flickers or makes a loud and annoying hum, a degrading ballast is the cause. The ballast takes in electricity and then regulates current to the bulbs. A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly.

How can you tell if a fluorescent light ballast is bad?

Depending on the ballast, you may have only red and blue wires. If the ballast is bad, the needle on the multimeter will not move. If the ballast is still good, the needle should sweep to the right across the face of the multimeter.

Do I need an electrician to change a light fixture?

Generally speaking, a homeowner can replace light fixtures. If the amperage isn't high enough to cover the wattage of your new light, you will need an additional wire run from your circuit breaker. It's best to hire a licensed and qualified electrician for such a task.

Can you change a ballast with the power on?

A ballast controls the current through a fluorescent bulb to keep the light even and to protect the bulb from damage. Although changing a ballast is safer with the power off, sometimes it is impractical, such as in a crowded store or office space, and you must replace the ballast without cutting the power.

How do you bypass a ballast?

The socket lead wires (most likely red and blue-colored wires) are located on the other side of the ballast and connect to wires going out of the ballast to the sockets (which should be non-shunted sockets for T8 LEDs). These output wires provide the power to the lamps.

Can a ballast be repaired?

While simply swapping burned out bulbs in an existing ballast is deemed “ballast repair” by many – and can offer advantages in longevity and energy savings – sometimes this simple “fix” is not enough.

What happens when a ballast goes bad?

When it's too hot or too cold, the ballast can burn or fail to start your lamps at all. Heat combined with prolonged condensation inside an electronic ballast can cause corrosion. Some people may suggest removing the parts of the ballast casing and cleaning the electrical board.

How do you change a ballast on a t12 fluorescent light?

The two yellow wires complete the circuit through the fluorescent tube back into the ballast. The red and blue wires energize the pins the fluorescent tube is attached to, the yellow wires connect to the pins on the opposite ends of the fluorescent light tubes completing the circuit.

Can you replace a magnetic ballast with an electronic ballast?

Compatibility. Electronic ballasts are often designed around their magnetic ballast predecessors. However, replacing magnetic ballasts with electronic ballasts is not without its complications. The wiring may be different.

Do I need to remove ballast for LED lights?

LED technology does not require a ballast to regulate the amount of energy flowing to the lights. Additionally, removing the ballast will reduce energy usage and result in even great cost-savings as ballasts continue to draw more power than necessary.

How do you change a ballast in a 4 fluorescent light?

A dead fluorescent can be caused by lack of electrical power (tripped breaker or blown fuse), a dead or dying ballast, a dead starter or a dead bulb(s). Check for power first then the starter (if applicable) and then the bulbs. When all else fails, the ballast should be replaced.