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. Replacing the ballast will return your fluorescent lights back to optimal operation, and the task takes just 10 minutes. Fluorescent lights really only have two parts -- the tube and the ballast. How does a fluorescent light ballast work? That way two blue wires go to one end of the bulb and two red wires go to the other end of the bulb and the 100V Hot(black) and Neutral(white) go ONLY to the electronic ballast. Standard fluorescent lighting fixtures are more energy-efficient than incandescent light fixtures, and the bulbs generally last considerably longer, but occasionally a special transformer inside the fixture, called a ballast, may need replacing.The type of ballast in the fixture will depend on the age of the light fixture. These ballast-bypass tubes are compatible with fluorescent fixtures and come with either traditional or HO endings. Fixture hums or buzzes: Replace the ballast (see "How to Replace a Fluorescent Ballast," above). Many times, lamps that fail to light fully indicate (in order to be checked): cold lamps or low ambient temperature, defective lamps or starters, a reverse connected 120V ballast, bad lamp holders or defective ballast. The new ballast has 5 wires, red, black, white, and two blue. The old ballast has three wires, red, black, and white. In this step we will be completely disassembling all of this light fixture down … Just follow the wiring diagram on the electronic ballast. Hold onto the ballast with your free hand to keep it from falling out. Now destined for the garbage. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. How to Replace Fluorescent Lighting. The old lamp holders may not support the new lamps, and the new ballast may not light the old lamps. Fluorescent lights are normally hardwired in the ceiling, often in recessed fixtures called troffers. How to Replace a Lamp Ballast. ! Where does the red wire on a fluorescent light fixture go? You're going to have a really hard time replacing your magnetic ballast with a new magnetic ballast. Replacing the ballast will return your fluorescent lights back to optimal operation, and the task takes just 10 minutes. Fluorescent lights need a ballast to produce light. Install the fluorescent bulbs, replace the lens cover and turn the power back on to the fixture at the circuit panel. Fluorescent light fixtures have a lot going for them. 1. It should work fine. Separate wires from existing fixture. Is it safe to insert wires into either end of a ballast? If you're having problems with a fluorescent light turning on, and you have tried the simple solutions, the problem could originate with a bad ballast. 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. Replace the bulbs or the entire fixture to light up your home again. A typical ballast will generally last about 20 years, but cold environments and bad bulbs can decrease this lifespan significantly. Replace the ballast cover on the fluorescent light fixture. Replace the ballast compartment cover and bulbs. Step 3 On your lamp, look for the identification code. Replace the cover and tubes, then flip the light on to check. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Insert the new ballast. All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published, Select a ballast that has either the exact same part number or is a direct replacement based on. In addition to death and taxes, it’s a certainty that electronic light ballasts will fail. Modern Fluorescent light use pulse starts technique to start the lamp and this pulse starting components are embedded inside the ballast itself. Insert the red, blue, black and white wires in their corresponding holes, screw the nut back in place and replace the lamp. It is called rapid start lamp. The fixture here uses a 2-bulb series ballast that gets replaced with a 2-bulb parallel ballast. If an old T12 lamp magnetic ballast is replaced with a newer T8 lamp and electronic ballast, the colors will probably not match. We recommend our users to update the browser. My fluorescent light fixture sometimes turns on and then sometimes won't. Barrina 8 Foot LED Bulbs, 44W 5500lm 6500K, Super Bright, T8 T10 T12 LED Tube Lights, FA8 Single Pin LED Lights , Clear Cover, 8 Foot LED Bulbs to Replace Fluorescent Light Bulbs (Pack of 12) Luxrite 3FT LED Tube Light, T8, 16W (25W Equivalent), 3000K Soft White, 1600 Lumens, Fluorescent Light Tube Replacement, Direct or Ballast Bypass, ETL Listed (4 Pack) If not bare, strip the ends of the wires on the new ballast. Fluorescent lights need a ballast to produce light. It is for a 2 bulb T12 or T8 fixture. Compare the new and old ballasts to verify that the wiring diagrams, voltage and current match before installing the new ballast. Two ballasts two ends ; a how to replace fluorescent light ballast side, and two red wires T8 lamp and electronic,! Video tutorial for your viewing enjoyment you how to replace your fluorescent lights back to optimal operation, and the. Home center and install it in the ceiling, often in Recessed fixtures called troffers that many our... 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