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.
Considering this, how long do fluorescent ballasts last?
about 20 years
Also Know, how do you fix a fluorescent light fixture? Steps:
- Turn off power at circuit-breaker box.
- Remove lens or diffuser panel from light.
- Remove lamps or bulbs.
- Remove ballast cover.
- Uncap black and white wires and test to ensure that power is off.
- Separate wires from existing fixture.
- Remove fixture base from ceiling.
In respect to this, is a bad ballast dangerous?
As with any electrical situation where overheating is possible, a bad ballast can pose a fire danger. Most bad ballasts simply burn themselves out, but it’s still good to recognize the odor and find the problem. Overheated ballasts that release PCBs also may pose health risks because PCBs are possible carcinogens.
How do you test an electronic ballast with a digital multimeter?
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. Touch the remaining probe to the ends of the blue, red and yellow wires leading from the ballast.
10 Related Question Answers Found
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 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.
Can a bad ballast burn out bulbs?
Every ballast has an ambient operating temperature range and UL location rating. 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 and ballast failure.
Why are my fluorescent lights not working?
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.
How do I know if my ballast is t8 or t12?
This will reveal a lot about your current fluorescent tube and usually indicate if the bulb is T8 or T12. If no markings are available, the size in diameter of the tube is the easiest way to determine the type you have installed. T8 tubes are 1-inch in diameter and T12 tubes are 1 1/2 -inch.
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.
Can I throw away fluorescent ballast?
Disposal of Fluorescent Light Ballasts (FLB) Ballasts manufactured through 1979 may contain PCBs. PCB-containing ballasts become a concern if they are leaking or they will be removed and disposed of as hazardous waste. According to EPA Toxic Substances Control Act (TSCA) regulations, the material must be incinerated.
How do you bypass a ballast?
How to Bypass a Ballast Turn off the power. Flipping the light switch to the “off” position does not necessarily end the flow of electricity. Locate your ballast. Cut the hot and neutral wires. Cut the socket lead wires. Remove the ballast. Connect the input wires to the output wires.
How many hours does a ballast last?
It is economical to turn off fluorescent lights if they are not being used. According to the Certified Ballast Manufacturers Association, the average magnetic ballast lasts about 75,000 hours, or 12 to 15 years with normal use.
Can a bad ballast cause a breaker to trip?
It’s possible that the ballast has gone bad!! If the primary winding in the ballast goes bad they almost always trip the breaker, unless there is a fuse installed just ahead of the ballast. After checking all of the wiring, as you have been directed to do, the last chip is a bad ballast.