How to Replace a Broken CFL Ballast
- Step 1 - Make Preparations. Replacing the ballast will be fairly easy, especially if you have a helper to assist you. In...
- Step 2 - Turn Off Power. This advice may sound like a no brainer, but turning off your power is easy to forget. Before...
- Step 3 - Remove the Light Bulb. Carefully remove the CFL bulbs in the fixture. These bulbs...
How do you replace a fluorescent light ballast?
Replace the fluorescent light ballast in four steps. Complete DIY projects like a pro! Sign up for our newsletter! Unplug the fixture or turn off the power at the main panel. Remove the fluorescent ballast compartment cover to expose the internal wiring and ballast. Note: The attachment method for ballast covers varies widely among manufacturers.
Why is a ballast needed for a CFL light bulb?
Here is a closer look at how a ballast works and why it is needed for a CFL bulb. Fluorescent lighting uses a ballast to control the current running to the lamp. This allows the lamp to receive sufficient voltage to start up, while then lowering the voltage to ensure that the lamp does not overheat and burn out.
What happens when a ballast goes bad on a fluorescent light?
When the ballast is going bad, the light will flicker. However, many are not aware the compact fluorescent bulbs also use a ballast. Sine a CFL lamp is basically just a fluorescent tube rolled into a bulb shape, it uses the same technology.
Is the ballast part of the light fixture?
For the CFL lamps used in most homes, the ballast is integrated into the bulb’s design, rather than being a separate piece as is the case with the fluorescent tubes. However, for commercial properties, the ballast may be integrated into the light fixture, not the lamp.
How do I know if my CFL ballast is bad?
If your fluorescent lighting is displaying any of the signs below, it could be a symptom of a bad ballast:Flickering. ... Buzzing. ... Delayed start. ... Low output. ... Inconsistent lighting levels. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, keep lamp. ... Switch to an electronic ballast, switch to a T8 fluorescent.More items...•
Can you replace a ballast yourself?
A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly. You can get a new ballast at a hardware store or home center and install it in about 10 minutes.
Can I change a ballast without turning off power?
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. This can be done safely with some preparation and the right tools.
What are the steps of changing a ballast?
InstructionsRemove the Cover. Remove the lens, or diffuser cover, from the fixture. ... Remove the Fluorescent Tubes. Remove the light bulbs (fluorescent tubes). ... Remove the Cover Plate. ... Disconnect the Ballast Wires. ... Remove the Ballast. ... Prepare the Wires. ... Mount the New Ballast. ... Dispose of the Old Ballast.
How do you change an electrical ballast?
2:047:26How to Replace a Fluorescent Light Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPiece out in the middle. And there's just some little clamps here but we just have to squeeze. AndMorePiece out in the middle. And there's just some little clamps here but we just have to squeeze. And pull in a little bit. And now we have the ballast exposed. This is what we're gonna replace.
Can a fluorescent ballast shock you?
UL said in a release that its recent testing confirmed that luminaires with magnetic ballasts intended for F40T12 fluorescent lamps may pose a risk of electric shock during installation of LED lamps intended for direct substitution of a fluorescent lamp while the circuit is energized.
How do you check if a ballast is working?
0:292:33Fluorescent fixture ballest test - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour other test lead to the wires. And see if your meter still reads open line it should read openMoreYour other test lead to the wires. And see if your meter still reads open line it should read open line open line if you have an analog meter it should not move.
What happens if you wire a ballast wrong?
If a ballast fails, it can cause a short, burn out tubes or even cause a fire, so it must be replaced. Lights that don't turn on, fluorescent tubes blackened near their ends, and brown, burnt tube electrodes are all indicators that a ballast is bad.
How do you remove a ballast from a light fixture?
0:343:25How to Remove Shop Light Ballast and Convert to LED Light StripsYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRemove the power wires connected to the ballast by removing the wire nuts. And then place the wireMoreRemove the power wires connected to the ballast by removing the wire nuts. And then place the wire nuts back where they were.
How much does it cost to change a ballast?
A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably - for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.
How do you install a 3 bulb ballast?
Cut and cap one yellow and one red or blue wire with a wire nut. Connect each of the blue ballast wires to the each of the two blue lampholder wires. Connect the red ballast wire to the third blue lampholder wire. Connect the yellow ballast wire to the red lampholder wire.
How much does it cost to replace a ballast?
A replacement ballast costs about $10-25 depending on capacity and brand. The bite is that an electrician trip charge (which includes 30 or 60 minutes work) is going to be $75-150 probably - for about 5 minutes work on each light fixture.
What happens if you wire a ballast wrong?
If a ballast fails, it can cause a short, burn out tubes or even cause a fire, so it must be replaced. Lights that don't turn on, fluorescent tubes blackened near their ends, and brown, burnt tube electrodes are all indicators that a ballast is bad.
How do you remove an old ballast?
0:419:38Replace a Fluorescent Light Ballast - Easier Than You Think! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe first thing you want to do is disconnect the electric power to that circuit do that at theMoreThe first thing you want to do is disconnect the electric power to that circuit do that at the breaker box so you know that you've completely shut off the electricity.
How do you check a ballast?
To measure it, set your digital multimeter to around a thousand ohms resistance setting. Connect the black leads to the white ground wire on your ballast. Afterward, test every other wire with the red lead. When you do this test, a good ballast will return an “open-loop” or max resistance.
Why do you need a ballast for a CFL bulb?
Fluorescent lighting uses a ballast to control the current running to the lamp. This allows the lamp to receive sufficient voltage to start up, while then lowering the voltage to ensure that the lamp does not overheat and burn out.
What happens when a ballast goes bad?
When the ballast is going bad, the light will flicker. However, many are not aware the compact fluorescent bulbs also use a ballast. Sine a CFL lamp is basically just a fluorescent tube rolled into a bulb shape, it uses the same technology.
What happens when a lamp is switched on?
In other words, when the lamp is switched on, the ballast delivers a quick surge of high voltage power to start the arc between the lamp’s two electrodes, then reduces the voltage and keeps it at a steady rate to keep the lamp burning.
Do CFL bulbs use ballasts?
Ballasts are a staple of the fluorescent lighting world, but many property managers and owners are surprised to learn that their CFL bulbs also use ballasts. CFL ballasts can make upgrading to LED lighting more challenging, so understanding how they work is important.
Can LED lights be used without a ballast?
LED lights can operate with or without a ballast. The solution to this problem is LED plug-in lamps. These lamps are ballast compatible or ballast bypass which allows you the flexibility of converting to LED.
Can a ballast be integrated into a CFL?
For the CFL lamps used in most homes, the ballast is integrated into the bulb’s design, rather than being a separate piece as is the case with the fluorescent tubes. However, for commercial properties, the ballast may be integrated into the light fixture, not the lamp. How to Upgrade to LED Lighting with Ballast Fixtures.
How long does it take to replace a fluorescent ballast?
Replace the ballast when your fluorescent light flickers or makes an annoying hum. The repair will only take about 10 minutes.
Why does my fluorescent light make a loud noise?
Wire connectors. 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.
