Step-By-Step Instructions
- Step 1 – Disconnect the Power. Turn off the main electric supply of your ballast. After removing the power supply, take...
- Step 2 – Uncover the Housing. Take the cover plate off to see the ballast. Then remove and label all connected wires for...
- Step 3 – Testing the ballast with a digital multimeter. Test your electronic ballast’s resistance...
How do you test fluorescent light ballasts?
How Do You Test Fluorescent Light Ballasts? If a buzzing sound is coming from the fixture or the bulbs begin flickering, it is time to examine the ballast. According to Cecilia Harsch, an author for Home Guides, there are many steps to testing fluorescent light ballasts, some of which include checking for leaks and using a multimeter.
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.
How do I know if my ballast needs replacing?
The voltage meter should present a reading of a continuous circuit or a short. Any other reading indicates that the ballast needs to be replaced. Test the voltage of the other colored wires on the high voltage side as well, and then test the wires from the transformer. Finally, test the wires from the power side of the ballast.
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.
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...•
How can you tell if a ballast is bad?
One probe of the multimeter should touch the hot wire connections, while the other touches the neutral wire connections. If the ballast is good, an analog multimeter has a needle that will sweep to the right across the measuring scale. If the ballast is bad, then the needle won't move.
How do you test a CFL electronic 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.
How do you check if a light ballast is working?
0:411:42How to test a Fluorescent Ballast - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMore or less than 36 Watt was in reason to test whether a ballast is good or bad first thing to doMoreMore or less than 36 Watt was in reason to test whether a ballast is good or bad first thing to do is visually inspect it check that it's not bulging or discolored.
How do you fix a bad ballast?
2:077:23How to fix "ANY" fluorescent Light | Ballast Replacement - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWe can cut any wires that are holding the ballast in place. And once we've done this we can go aheadMoreWe can cut any wires that are holding the ballast in place. And once we've done this we can go ahead and remove the ballast. From the lighting fixture. Guys once you have the bottles removed.
How do you test a metal halide ballast?
Check the ballast output with a voltage tester. Turn on the lamp and touch the ends of the tester leads to the lamp electrodes with the bulb in place, then remove the bulb and make the same test. You should get voltage readings in both cases that agree with the output specified on the label.
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.
Can you repair a ballast?
Sometimes, the colour coding on the old ballast does not match the new ballast. We recommend that you always hire a qualified electrician to have a ballast repair or ballast replacement service done.
Why do fluorescent lights not turn on sometimes?
If a fluorescent tube neither lights nor flickers when switched on, first check to see that the fixture is plugged in and that no fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. If this does not help, try wiggling the tube gently in its sockets by rocking it back and forth and from side to side.
How many volts does a ballast put out?
Newer fluorescent ballasts are usually rated for both 120 volts and 277 volts. Some are rated for only 120 volts, others for only 277 volts (used in commercial environments).
How long do ballasts last?
12 to 15 yearsAccording to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.
How do you test a ballast?
Checking for a Bad BallastPower off the fixture. Go to your circuit breaker panel and power down the area that includes the lamp you want to check.Remove fluorescent bulbs from the fixture. Fixtures are made differently. ... Disconnect the ballast. ... Remove the ballast. ... Use a multimeter.
Should I replace ballast or buy new fixture?
Replacing the ballast in an old fixture is a must T-12 fluorescent bulbs, long used in garages and shops, are being replaced by energy-saving T-8 bulbs. However, you'll probably need to replace the old ballast; otherwise the new bulb will burn out too fast.
How long should a ballast last?
12 to 15 yearsAccording to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use. The optimum economic life of a fluorescent lighting system with magnetic ballasts is usually about 15 years.
Why do fluorescent lights not turn on sometimes?
If a fluorescent tube neither lights nor flickers when switched on, first check to see that the fixture is plugged in and that no fuse has blown or circuit breaker has tripped. If this does not help, try wiggling the tube gently in its sockets by rocking it back and forth and from side to side.
How can I tell if my t8 ballast is defective?
You may simply have red and blue wires depending on the ballast. The needle on the multimeter will not move if the ballast is faulty. The needle should move to the right across the face of the multimeter if the ballast is still good.
Is it possible for a breaker to trip due to faulty ballast?
It’s conceivable that the ballast is no longer functional!! Unless there is a fuse fitted directly ahead of the ballast, if the primary winding in the ballast fails, it will almost always trip the breaker. The final chip is a defective ballast, which you discovered after examining all of the wiring as instructed.
What is the price of ballast?
Replacement ballasts range in price from $10 to $25, depending on capacity and manufacturer. The catch is that an electrician trip fee (for 30 or 60 minutes of labor) will most likely be $75-150 – for around 5 minutes of work on each light fixture.
To use an LED bulb, do I need to remove the ballast?
The quantity of energy going to the lights is not regulated by a ballast with LED technology. Furthermore, since ballasts continue to draw more power than required, eliminating the ballast would cut energy consumption and result in even greater cost savings.
Is it possible for a defective ballast to burn out bulbs?
Every ballast has a UL location rating and an ambient operating temperature range. The ballast might burn or fail to ignite your lights if the temperature is too hot or cold. Corrosion and ballast failure may be caused by heat and extended condensation within an electronic ballast.
What is the best way to get around an LED t8 ballast?
Following the completion of these stages, the fixture would be adapted for non-shunted T8 LED tubes.
Is it possible to replace a ballast while the power is on?
Although it is safer to change a ballast with the power turned off, there are situations when this is not possible, such as in a busy shop or office, and you must replace the ballast without turning off the power. With some planning and the correct equipment, this can be done securely. Ballasts are used to manage the power of fluorescent lamps.
How do I test my fluorescent light ballast?
It is worth a little investigation before going to the trouble of replacing the ballast. If you have a digital amp meter in your system and can determine the actual power consumption (by comparing system amps with the light on vs. off), that would tell if the ballast is operating at the correct level.
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Step-By-Step Instructions
Before we jump into the process, you need to understand what a digital multimeter is.
Conclusion
Once you have finished all the steps and figured that you need a replacement, here are some brands that I recommend.
How do U-shaped bulbs work?
U-shaped and straight fluorescent bulbs install into fluorescent sockets that connect to the ballast. U-shaped bulbs are held in the socket with tension springs. Pull the U-shaped bulbs from the tension springs to release them from the socket.
How to replace ballast?
Replace the ballast if it appears burned, swollen or is leaking oil. Set the multimeter to the ohm setting. Choose "X1K" if there are multiple ohm settings on your multimeter. Insert one probe of the multimeter in to the wire connector holding the white wires together.
What happens if a ballast is bad?
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. Install a new ballast, if necessary. Replace the ballast cover on the fluorescent light fixture.
What happens if a fluorescent bulb is not on?
Without the ballast, a fluorescent bulb would attach directly to 120-volt current and quickly burn out the bulb. When you hear a buzzing sound coming from your fixture or the bulbs flicker or do not come on, check the ballast to see if it needs to be replaced.
Why do fluorescent lights need a ballast?
A fluorescent fixture requires a ballast to send the proper amount of electricity to the fluorescent bulbs. The ballast provides enough voltage to start the fluorescent bulbs, and once they are started, it quickly lowers the current to produce just enough electricity to produce a steady light source. Without the ballast, a fluorescent bulb would ...
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.
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.
