Replacing a fluorescent light fixture doesn’t require an electrician. 5. Fluorescent light bulbs typically last many years, but when one flickers on and off, or the end turns light gray to black in color, you'll just need replacement light bulbs. Replacing a Ballast in a Fluorescent Light. Shut off power to light fixture at the circuit breaker. Some older types have "starters", too. Remove the case, lamp, and any cover that prevents you from reaching the ballast. Fluorescent Ballast – Amazon Details. Replacing a Ballast in a Fluorescent Light. If 1 lamp in a 3 lamp fixture does not work, does it shorten the life? To create this article, 35 people, some anonymous, worked to edit and improve it over time. Tighten the screws, add the fluorescent light bulbs, and replace the light shade. And those [dead/dying] ballasts of mine? Replace the ballast cover on the fluorescent light fixture. As discussed above, there are three types of wires. The new ballast has 5 wires, red, black, white, and two blue. The other wire is the neutral (white) wire. The wires from the new ballast are trimmed of excess length. Read on to learn how to swap out the old with an approved replacement ballast of the same technology. You’re looking for continuity between the wires and the sockets. If pursuing a retrofit, schematic reading skills will be required. Fluorescent Light Ballast Replacement. 2. DIY or Electrician? Depending on the number of lamps in the fixture, you may have to tie some together. Can I cut the original lamp wires a few inches from the old ballast and install a new ballast, then cut the new wires a few inches from it and use wire nuts to connect both sets of wires? A ballast controls the current through a fluorescent bulb to keep the light even and to protect the bulb from damage. Replace the bulbs or the entire fixture to light up your home again. Provide 1 inch (2.5 cm) (25 mm) of air space between the fixture and any combustible materials to reduce fire hazards. If replacing the tube does not correct the flickering, replace the starter. The ballast regulates the flow of electricity to the bulbs, and when it fails, then bulbs will not light properly. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. 5 Ways to Convert Your Fluorescent Light Fixtures to LED. Here are the steps you need to take to find out whether this part should be replaced. Touch a light fixture only after disconnecting it from the room’s electrical circuit. Cut all the wires connected to the fluorescent light ballast. This article has been viewed 1,022,213 times. Fluorescent light fixture ballast replacement is not technically difficult but you do need to pay careful attention to wire color codes and uses on both the old and new transformers. Your support helps wikiHow to create more in-depth illustrated articles and videos and to share our trusted brand of instructional content with millions of people all over the world. Steps: Remove existing light fixture. Fluorescent Light Ballast Replacement. If there is oil present, then you’ll need to replace the entire ballast, as the internal seal has been damaged by excessive heat from the light. Cut the wires close to the old ballast and remove the ballast. If both the tubes are old, you might consider replacing both of them with newer, slightly lower wattage ones to save electricity. Remove lens or diffuser panel from light. The fixture here uses a 2-bulb series ballast that gets replaced with a 2-bulb parallel ballast. Two wires attach to each socket on a fluorescent fixture to provide the electricity necessary to cause the gas inside of a fluorescent tube to glow. But your single bulb fixture may have only one blue wire coming from the bulb connector. If retro-fitting a new electronic ballast for a failed magnetic ballast, the new ballast may require new energy efficient lamps - and new holders sized to fit pins of the lamp. Here's what you can do: 1. With the help of quick connect, the cables are assembled. This article has been viewed 1,022,213 times. Cap the two blue wires and install the red, black, and white as usual. Compare the new and old ballasts to verify that the wiring diagrams, voltage and current match before installing the new ballast. Before you toss your whole fluorescent fixture, consider a fluorescent light ballast replacement. It should be marked F(number)T(number). When replacing a ballast where the wires colors don’t match, it is important to understand the ballast wiring concept. Insert the new ballast. Snip the old fluorescent ballast wiring several inches from the end of the fluorescent ballast with side-cutting pliers or wire snips. When working on any electrical components it is recommended that you wear non-conductive shoes, stand on a piece of plywood, or use a wooden ladder. 1. We recommend our users to update the browser. Indeed, the cost of replacing the ballast in a fixture may rival the cost of a new fixture... especially if you want to use a modern electronic ballast that lights the bulbs faster, runs cooler and is virtually hum-free. In this step we will be completely disassembling all of this light fixture down … A ballast is a device that limits the amount of current draw of a gas discharge-type light, such as a neon, fluorescent or metal halide lamp. The real cost of replacing a light ballast comes in the form of the work required to get the new ballast up and running with your light fixture. Indeed, the cost of replacing the ballast in a fixture may rival the cost of a new fixture... especially if you want to use a modern electronic ballast that lights the bulbs faster, runs cooler and is virtually hum-free. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3TLbr7CUpC4, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E456CwPq1sI, https://www.familyhandyman.com/electrical/fluorescent-light/how-to-replace-a-fluorescent-light-ballast/, remplacer les ballasts d'un éclairage fluorescent, remplazar una balastra en un sistema de luz fluorescente, Sostituire il Ballast di una Lampada Fluorescente, consider supporting our work with a contribution to wikiHow. Welcome to a how-to video by Toolbox DIY where will we show you how to replace a fluorescent ballast on a light fixture. Since the wires have been cut and to make them stay in order, take quick connects for the wires. Magnetic ballasts. 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