How to Change a Ballast in a Fluorescent Light

Fluorescent lighting is often used to light large areas in commercial buildings and homes. Changing a fluorescent light bulb is a pretty simple task but sometimes it is the ballast that is out instead of the bulb itself. Read on to learn how to change a ballast in a fluorescent light.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ladder
• Phillips head screwdriver
• Ballast

1. Turn the electricity off to the fixture. The safest bet is to completely turn off the electricity at the breaker box.

2. Place the ladder under the light fixture and remove the plastic cover from the fixture. To do this push each side of the cover together.

3. Remove the fluorescent light bulb by pushing one side in and pulling down the opposite end. Some fluorescent bulbs may have to be rotated to be removed. Set down gently to avoid shattering.

4. Remove the metal cover in the middle by squeezing the cover together and pulling the metal cover down.

5. Unwire the hot wire and replace the wing nut for safety. Unwire the ground wire and replace the wing nut for safety.

6. Using the Phillips head screwdriver remove the screws on each side of the ballast to remove it.

7. Replace the old ballast with a new ballast and reverse the previous steps to complete the process of installation.

Tips & Warnings

• For safety, use a ladder that is in good shape with rubber grips on the bottom to avoid sliding.
• A helper can make this task much easier. Have them standing by to take the old equipment as you remove it and hand you the replacement parts as needed.
• Make sure to hold the ballast with one hand so it will not fall.
• Wear safety glasses while working with fluorescent lighting or ballasts.

[zeke2497]

on 1/12/2009 What if you have to change the ballast while the power is still on?

[zeke2497]

on 1/12/2009 What if you cant turn off the power?

[ronh]

on 8/20/2008 How to test a florescent ballist?

[JASCOTT]

on 3/16/2008 also be sure not to cut the wires from the ballast to the sockets too short on the socket end, cut closer to the ballast you are removing to make sure u have enough wire.

[JASCOTT]

on 3/16/2008 Ballasts can fail but still will be hot so take care in touching the ballast itself, also if you have older lights, i.e. T12 bulbs around 1 5/8" in diameter save money by replacing the fixture with a new unit, to replace ballasts and bulbs its not much more for a new fixture in some cases and newer T8 bulbs dont have the flickering issues as much and are brighter. Also electronic ballasts are available for older fixtures as well, they are lighter then the magnetic ballasts and last longer in theory.